Jillian Bernas, Republican candidate for House District 56 – Schaumburg, recently expressed concern over Illinois constituents’ ongoing economic hardships and statistics showing a reverse population trend in a recent Facebook post.
“Always a pleasure to speak with my neighbors and to listen to their concerns,” she said, recognizing that more people are currently leaving Illinois than moving into the state. “It saddens me to hear that so many are hurting and are looking to move out of state.”
Bernas acknowledged that the state’s economy may well be behind the trend. Illinois remains among the top five states with more people leaving than arriving to settle — ranking third behind only New Jersey and New York, according to statistics from the 39th annual Movers Study conducted by United Van Lines.
The survey tracked the countrywide migration patterns of customers through 2015 and found that 63 percent of all moves in Illinois were exits — the fifth time in seven years that the state has ranked among the top five nationwide in outbound movers.
In contrast, Oregon topped the list for inbound migration, with 69 percent moving to the state. Top reasons for moving to Oregon were a new job or company transfer at 53 percent, as well as to be closer to family at 20 percent.
Todd Maisch, president of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, listed multiple reasons for moving, including climate.
“There is a sense that Illinois’ economy is not growing as rapidly as it should and that job prospects are not as good as elsewhere,” Maisch said, indicating that studies show people believe job prospects are better in right-to-work states — those that limit the ability of workers to organize through unions.
The Chamber supports Gov. Bruce Rauner’s turnaround agenda, which the governor claims will make Illinois more business-friendly. His opponents — including Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan — state that Rauner's insistence on pushing for non-budget measures such as reforms to collective bargaining is partly why the budget has stagnated.
“Growing the economy has to be part of the long-term solution to Illinois’ economic problems,” Maisch said. “If there is not economic growth, we are not going to generate enough tax. The unemployment rate is still higher than the national average."
Maisch added that, usually, Illinois “snaps back” to being better than the national average, but currently suffers from a persistent lag. The Chamber published a study on economic competitiveness ranking Illinois’ strengths and weaknesses earlier in 2016. Conducted by Northwood University on behalf of the Illinois Chamber Foundation, it found that Illinois had moved up to 39th from 46th in economic competitiveness after its authors studied the general macroeconomic environment, state debt and taxation, workforce cost and the regulatory environment.
“While Illinois moved up, this study proves that the Land of Lincoln is well situated for an economic comeback,” Maisch said. “We can make a quick snap back if we just get out of our own way.”
When asked if Illinois could return to the position of greatness it once occupied in the U.S. business structure, the study’s author, Northwood University Professor Timothy Nash, responded optimistically -- but firmly reminded leaders that it would be feasible “only by adopting growth-friendly public policies.”
“Illinois must set its sights high and benchmark to best economic and political practices of this country’s top-performing states,” Nash said. “The good news is that many neighboring states have shown progress and policy change. Illinois can do the same if it has the will.”
Alerts Sign-up