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With BC-Midwest Economy-Glance OMAHA, Neb. (AP) A new survey of business leaders suggests the recession will get worse in the months ahead in nine Midwest and Plains states.

Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss says the current recession will be worse than the nation's last one, in 2001.

The overall index for the region fell to 33 in December from November's record low of 37.8.

Any score below 50 on the index, which ranges between zero and 100, indicates a contracting economy over the next three to six months.

The survey includes ArKansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Goss and the Creighton Economic Forecasting Group have conducted the monthly survey since 1994.

On the Net: Creighton Economic Forecasting Group: http://www.outlook-economic.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-02-09 0907CST | save this article / add to your favorites list