The rate of Illinois residents leaving the state for greener pastures is an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed at a state level, Republican candidate for House District 46 Heidi Holan recently pointed out.
High property taxes and a lack of employment opportunities are fueling the increasing numbers of lifelong residents moving to business-friendly states.
While most states have recovered from the recession, Illinois has 111,000 fewer people in the workforce than it did before the recession began. It is rated as the second-worst state in employment recovery. In addition, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Illinois lost an additional 2,200 jobs last month.
In addition to the lack of jobs, property taxes continue to rise. With the continuing state budget problems, local governments scramble to increase revenues. Reassessing property values is one way to bring more money into the local tax base. Illinois already has the second highest property tax rate in the nation.
The rising taxes and lure of better-paying jobs outside of Illinois continues to draw residents to business-friendly states. As the residents leave, the state loses an increasing amount in taxable income — an estimated net $26 billion from 1995 to 2009.
Holan's campaign focuses on encouraging business opportunities, controlling spending, reducing debt and providing property tax relief. Lower taxes and more jobs may reverse the flow of people and money from the state.
"What is your friend and family exit count?" Holan said. "It doesn't have to be this way. Say NO to the status quo on November 8!"
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