East Central Reporter

Rep. Adam Niemerg criticized progressive policies, stating, "policies implemented under the 'progressive' banner have driven families and businesses out of the state, left children struggling in failing schools, and fueled an alarming rise in crime," in a Sept. 24 Facebook post.

"The policies implemented under the "progressive" banner have driven families and businesses out of the state, left children struggling in failing schools, and fueled an alarming rise in crime," said Niemerg, State Representative, according to Facebook.

In his Facebook post, Niemerg shared a link to an entry on the Illinois House Republicans’ Caucus Blog. According to the blog, progressive policies have led to population loss, increased crime rates, education crises, and tax and pension issues.

Screenshot of State Rep. Adam Niemerg's Sept. 24 Facebook post | State Representative Adam Niemerg Facebook page

In terms of population, the blog states that "Illinois is one of only three states that saw its population decline in the last decade, losing more than 240,000 residents since 2020 alone. Since the year 2000, over 1.5 million people have left the state, taking their tax dollars with them. In 2022 alone, Illinois lost $9.8 billion in adjusted gross income due to out-migration, one of the highest losses in the nation. Fewer people means fewer jobs, less income tax revenue, and a shrinking tax base, which compounds the financial challenges already facing the state."

Regarding education, the blog focuses on Chicago Public Schools (CPS), noting that "despite increasing education spending—Chicago Public Schools now spend almost $30,000 per student—student outcomes are plummeting. Only 35% of Illinois students can read at grade level, and just 27% are proficient in math. The numbers are even worse for Chicago, where only 25% of students can read at grade level and just 18% meet math standards. While spending has soared, academic performance continues to fall, leaving a generation of children unprepared for their futures."

The push for renewable energy has caused electricity prices to surge; additionally, according to the blog post from Illinois House Republicans’ Caucus Blog leaders say that the state’s focus on welcoming migrants has put a burden on CPS and the City of Chicago.

Niemerg was elected in 2020. He is a lifelong Illinoisan with a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. He describes himself as fiscally conservative and focuses on lowering taxes while advocating for limited government and pension reform. According to his official biography, he is pro-life and supports Second Amendment rights.