SE Illinois News

Darren Bailey believes the dysfunction is Springfield is forcing people into life-altering decisions they never envisioned having to make for themselves.

“Moving to another state is a major life change that many people never planned on having,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News. “But you’re seeing it happen more and more in Illinois and I believe if we’re forced to face another tax increase you will see it on levels no one could have ever imagined.”

A new Illinois Issues Survey by the Center for State Policy and Leadership at the University of Illinois Springfield found that 53 percent of Illinoisans admit they have considered leaving Illinois. High taxes and dysfunctional government were the primary factors for their discontent.

Cynthia Given

A deeper analysis of the numbers by Illinois Policy Institute found that dissatisfaction is evenly spread among just about all groups.

Pollsters found that 64 percent of respondents with household incomes between $60,000 and $100,000 have considered fleeing, while 74 percent of all respondents agree that the state is on the wrong track. That is compared to just 14 percent who believe it is headed in the right direction.

The results mirror the numbers of a 2016 survey by the Paul Simon Public Institute, which found that 47 percent of residents would rather be somewhere else because of high taxes.

“I contend that Illinois won’t be the same if we continue down this path and to elect (Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B.) Pritzker turns it into a question of how long we can last,” said Bailey, who is running against Democrat Cynthia Given in the 109th District. “People continue to want and need more for themselves and government just takes. We have to have accountability. Illinois could be on the cusp of whatever is on the other side of bankruptcy or insolvency.”

The 109th House District includes Clay, Edwards, Effingham, Jasper, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne and White counties.