Rockford Sun

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 relocated to other states, driven by some of the highest taxes in the nation.

This exodus saw nearly $10 billion in income leaving Illinois, significantly impacting the state’s economic landscape. Meanwhile, Chicago has earned the 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 Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) 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 aimed at stabilizing their lives by prioritizing educational continuity and well-being.

Senate Bill 2824 ensures that children can continue attending their current school even after being placed with a different parent or relative whenever possible. The aim is to provide stability and normalcy during an otherwise tumultuous time in their lives. Maintaining the same school environment allows children to retain their friends, teachers, and support systems, which are crucial for their emotional and academic development.

Additionally, if it is deemed best for a child to attend a different school, no out-of-district tuition can be charged to the relative caregiver or foster parent under this law.

Senate Bill 2824 passed unanimously in both chambers 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 education and Illinois’ evolving workforce needs was signed into law earlier this month.

Senate Bill 2862 requires the Illinois Board of Higher Education to release an annual comprehensive list of the most in-demand jobs in the state. This measure aims to equip educators with information on job trends that will help better prepare students for successful careers. It benefits students while also strengthening Illinois’ economy by fostering a workforce well-equipped to meet employer needs.

The comprehensive job list will be publicly accessible via the Board of Higher Education’s official website. After passing unanimously earlier this year, Senate Bill 2862 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 its “Illinoisan of the Day” program at this year’s Illinois State Fair from August 8-18. The foundation aims to recognize ten outstanding community servants each day who have significantly contributed to county and state fairs in Illinois.

Nominees must be Illinois residents aged 25 years or older with a history of service at state or county fairs. They should demonstrate characteristics such as integrity, dependability, community spirit, and strong ethics. Those selected will be honored during one day at the 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 as maintenance crews continue roadside mowing into summer months.

Starting July 1, IDOT conducts safety mowing directly adjacent to roads as needed and maintenance mowing near culverts, ditches, traffic control devices, and other structures.

According to recent statistics, Illinois averages almost 6,100 crashes annually in work zones resulting in 1,600 injuries and 28 deaths. Heavy maintenance mowing will continue until August 15.

###