New Data Shows 87,000 Illinois Residents Flee the State
New data from the Internal Revenue Service shows that in 2022 alone, more than 87,000 Illinoisans, faced with some of the highest taxes in the nation, relocated to other states. This exodus saw nearly $10 billion in income leaving Illinois, significantly impacting the state’s economic landscape. Meanwhile, the City of Chicago has earned the unfortunate distinction of having the third-highest rate of domestic population loss in the country, underscoring a broader pattern of outmigration.
Illinois’ high tax burden has long been a critical factor driving residents to seek refuge in more tax-friendly states. This spring, Governor J.B. Pritzker made it clear that working families are unlikely to see meaningful tax cuts any time soon, signing nearly $1 billion in tax hikes into law to fund spending on the migrant crisis he invited.
Senate Republicans argue that the continued high tax burden on working families and misplaced policy priorities are key contributors to the ongoing population decline. Senator Bennett asserts that state leaders must recognize that current policies are driving residents away and instead focus on enacting genuine relief and reforms to help Illinoisans.
Sen. Tom Bennett statement on the assassination attempt of President Trump
“The recent attack on President Trump, which sadly resulted in the death of one man and injuries to others, shows just how dangerous our divided political climate has become. My thoughts and prayers go out to President Trump, the other victims and their families.
“Violence against any public official is never acceptable regardless of political beliefs. God bless those affected and our country.”
Recognizing Illinois’ Finest: The ‘Illinoisan of the Day’
The Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation is seeking nominations for the “Illinoisan of the Day” program at this year’s Illinois State Fair, running from August 8 to 18. The foundation aims to recognize 10 outstanding community servants each day who have significantly contributed to county and state fairs in Illinois.
To be eligible, nominees must be Illinois residents, 25 years or older, with a history of service at state and/or county fairs in the state. Nominees should also demonstrate the characteristics of integrity, dependability, community spirit, and strong ethics. Those selected will be honored during one of the days of the Illinois State Fair.
Nomination forms are available on the foundation’s website at www.illinoisstatefairmuseum.org, with a submission deadline of July 20.
IDOT Urges Caution as Roadside Mowing Continues
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is reminding drivers to exercise caution, slow down, and avoid distractions as maintenance crews continue roadside mowing into the summer months.
Beginning July 1, IDOT conducts both safety mowing, directly adjacent to the road as needed, and maintenance mowing, including areas next to culverts, ditches, traffic control devices, and other structures.
According to the most recent statistics, Illinois averages almost 6,100 crashes in work zones each year, resulting in 1,600 injuries and 28 deaths. Heavy maintenance mowing will continue until August 15.
How much do we owe?
As of the time of this writing, the State of Illinois owes $1,868,077,190.58 to state vendors, including 4,335 pending vouchers. This figure represents the amount of bills submitted to the office of the Comptroller and still awaiting payment. It does not include debts that can only be estimated, such as our unfunded pension liability which is subject to a wide range of factors and has been estimated to be more than $139 billion. At the same time last year, the state’s accounts payable stood at a little less than $2 billion.
Did You Know?
Did you know Sibley, Illinois, was home to the largest corn crib in the world? This monumental structure was built in 1910 by Fletcher Harper Sibley, the grandson of Hiram Sibley, who had acquired a significant portion of the Burr Oaks Farm after the death of its original owner, Michael Lucas Sullivant. Sullivant, a successful Ohio farmer, had moved to Illinois in 1867 and transformed the vast prairies into productive cornfields. By 1870, his Burr Oak farm was the largest in the United States, with Harper’s Weekly describing the immense scale of his corn production. The corn crib built by Fletcher Sibley was an impressive 325 feet long, 35 feet high, and 72.5 feet wide, costing $20,073 at the time, equivalent to $647,000 today. This crib stood as a testament to the agricultural legacy of the Sullivant and Sibley families and the rich farming history of Sibley, Illinois.
This Week in the 53rd District
Working full-time to represent you!
