New Data Shows 87,000 Illinois Residents Flee the State

SPRINGFIELD – 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, Gov. JB 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. State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) asserts that state leaders must recognize that current policies are driving residents away and focus on enacting genuine relief and reforms to help Illinoisans.

New Illinois Law Ensures Educational Continuity for Children in DCFS Care

Children in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will face fewer disruptions when being removed from their homes under a new law that represents a significant step forward in stabilizing the lives of these vulnerable children, prioritizing their educational continuity and well-being.

Senate Bill 2824 ensures that children, whenever possible, can continue attending their current school even after being placed with a different parent or relative. The aim is to provide a sense of stability and normalcy during an otherwise tumultuous time in their lives. The importance of maintaining the same school environment cannot be overstated, as it allows children to retain their friends, teachers, and support systems, which are crucial for their emotional and academic development.

Additionally, the new law includes a provision to protect caregivers from added financial burden. If it is deemed to be in the best interest of the child to attend a different school, the law stipulates that no out-of-district school tuition can be charged to the relative caregiver or foster parent.

Senate Bill 2824 passed unanimously in the Senate and House and was signed into law on July 1. The provisions take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Republican-backed Legislation to Align Education with Workforce Needs Becomes Law

Legislation aimed at bridging the gap between college and Illinois’ evolving workforce needs was signed into law earlier this month, marking a pivotal step toward aligning academic programs with the state’s dynamic economic landscape.

Senate Bill 2862, co-sponsored by Sen. Tracy, requires the Illinois Board of Higher Education to release an annual comprehensive list of the most in-demand jobs in the state. This proactive measure will equip educators with information on job trends that will help better prepare students for successful careers in Illinois’ rapidly changing job market. It’s an initiative that not only benefits students but also strengthens the state’s economy by fostering a workforce that is well-equipped to meet the needs of employers.

The comprehensive job list will be publicly accessible via the Board of Higher Education’s official website. After passing the General Assembly unanimously earlier this year, the measure was signed into law on July 1 and took effect immediately.

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.