Prairie State Wire

Former Republican House Floor Leader Peter Breen doesn’t see how Democrats in Springfield can run from the facts much longer. 

“Politicians who run Illinois have done everything possible to distract from the loss of people that have suffered for many years,” Breen told the Prairie State Wire. “Even during the last campaign, Democrat candidates would chastise Republicans for highlighting the loss of our human capital that Democrat policies have caused.”

Breen argues the facts speak for themselves, pointing to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data that shows over the last decade Illinois has lost nearly 170,000 residents as one of only four states to have lost population over that time. Of the state’s 102 counties, at least 93 have seen population decline, including the Cook County area where almost 49,000 residents have bolted. Finally, as many as 10 counties have suffered population losses topping 5,000 individuals.

Breen argues the impact of all that is felt almost anywhere you look.

“When you lose people it’s not just the individual you lose, it’s the person’s entire work life and the futures of their children,” he said “That loss is something that becomes a multi-generational problem.”

Deeper analysis shows that downstate counties have particularly been hard hit, 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.

Breen worries about what could come next if lawmakers don’t quickly stem the tide.

“I talk with a lot of people and they’re concerned about rather they can find a future in Illinois,” he said. “There is a closing window on fixing these issues plaguing the state. People are leaving Illinois because they feel they have to. Government at every level has been hostile to people who want to live, work and raise their family here. We have to change that.”