North Cook News

Veteran state Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) points to a whole host of reasons why he’s convinced Illinois remains on the outs with so many residents.

“In my discussions with constituents, the outmigration is a combination of retirees seeking warmer weather, families and individuals pursuing job or school opportunities and others who are seeking states with a lower cost of living and/or more amenable political climate,” Morrison told the North Cook News. “The political corruption scandals add to the belief that the system will not address fundamental reforms.”

All of it has come at a premium cost, with the latest U.S. Census Bureau data showing Illinois as one of only four states across the country to lose population over the last decade. With the overall loss pegged at roughly 170,000 residents, the state has also experienced decline in 93 of its 102 counties.

Finally, at least 10 counties have also seen declines of over 5,000 people, topped by the Cook County area where almost 49,000 residents have fled.

Morrison said he’s at a lost to understand why leaders in Springfield continue to push for more taxes when it’s obvious so many in the state are strongly opposed to the idea.

“The voters spoke loudly in the last election that they wanted spending reforms, not tax increases on middle and upper income earners or retirees,” he said. “I continue to hear constantly that we need real and meaningful pension reform.”

Deeper analysis shows that downstate counties have particularly been hard hit, with the region losing 144,000 residents or 3.2% of its 2010 population over the same time period. In addition, data shows the losses in Cook County represent the second worst losses of residents in any country across the country, with only Wayne County in Michigan losing more people.

In some ways, Morrison hints he thinks Springfield has become that state’s own worse many.

“Illinois could be so much stronger as a state but for policy,” he said. “We have so many incredible natural and human assets, but a 21st century economy and technology makes it easier than ever to be mobile for individuals and businesses. People and businesses have options on where to work and live and plant new roots and they will continue to exercise those options if they don’t see meaningful improvement in Illinois.”