Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) is concerned that Illinois' declining population will result in fewer resources. | Photo Courtesy of Sue Rezin
Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) is concerned that Illinois' declining population will result in fewer resources. | Photo Courtesy of Sue Rezin
State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) lamented that Illinois had brought its fading popularity all on itself.
"Illinois has a reputation for being unfriendly for taxpayers, job creators and business, which has fueled outmigration for years," Rezin told Illinois Valley Times. "It's pretty simple."
The price for being perceived as "unfriendly" keeps climbing, with U.S. Census Bureau data finding that Illinois is one of four states to lose population over the last decade with nearly 170,000 residents bolting.
Of the state's 102 counties, at least 93 have lost population, with the Cook County leading the way at approximately 49,000 residents, the data found. Finally, at least 10 counties have lost upward of 5,000 residents each, prompting Rezin to contend that enough is enough.
"Illinois has the second-highest property tax rate in the nation," she said. "Addressing this huge problem with meaningful property tax reform would be a good place to start. We also need to implement reforms that provide relief to our business owners and job creators to keep our best-and-brightest from looking for opportunities outside our borders."
An analysis of the numbers finds downstate counties have particularly been hard hit, with the region losing 144,000 residents of its 2010 population. In addition, data showed the losses in Cook County represent the second-worst of any county nationwide, with only Wayne County in Michigan losing more people.
Rezin believes the worse may still be yet to come.
"Every time a resident leaves, it drains our resources and directly impacts our state and local economies," she said. "Illinois' census is directly tied to how much federal aid and resources we get. With fewer people, comes fewer resources."
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