East Central Reporter

State Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) insists he’s surprised Illinois’ standing for dubious distinction isn’t even more pronounced.

“I’m surprised that even more people aren’t fleeing the state,” Miller told the East Central Reporter. “We’ve done everything to cultivate this environment. We make it harder on businesses with a resolve to only tax more, borrow more and spend more.”

Miller argues the proof is in the numbers, pointing to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data that shows over the last decade the state has lost nearly 170,000 residents as one of just four to show shrinkage over that time.

Overall, the state has seen a dip in at least 93 of its 102 counties, including Cook County where at least 49,000 people have bolted. Finally, at least 10 counties have suffered losses of more than 5,000.

Meanwhile, Miller fumes nothing is being down to upend the trend.

“Like any business when liabilities are greater than assets it’s a problem you have to deal right away,” he said. "We’re not seeing that. The only way to fix any of this is by creating a family and business friendly environment after having enacted pension reforms. We have to do things were businesses want to come here. Right now, the most successful people are the ones leaving.”

Deeper analysis shows that downstate counties have particularly suffered, 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.

“The only way we have a prayer of getting out of this is by growing our economy and Democrats are making sure that doesn’t happen with some of their policy decisions,” Miller added. “We’re in desperate need of new leadership in Springfield.”