Prairie State Wire

Ted Dabrowski, a gubernatorial candidate for Illinois, said small-town communities face economic challenges as manufacturing jobs decline. He made that statement during a meet and greet at Laila’s Bar and Grill, 305 E. Main St., Stronghurst.

"Small town communities are losing jobs and people," said Dabrowski. "Illinois manufacturing positions have fallen by nearly 18,000 jobs since Gov. Pritzker took office. We need to bring back opportunity to our rural communities. Our state deserves leadership that values small-town industry again."

During his campaign visit to Stronghurst, Dabrowski engaged with residents concerned about the economic future of small-town Illinois. The discussion focused on job losses, local business closures, and the need for investment in rural manufacturing and infrastructure to restore community vitality.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois manufacturing employment has dropped by approximately 18,000 positions since 2019. The decline has disproportionately affected smaller communities reliant on manufacturing as their primary economic base.

Recent reports indicate that Illinois has experienced steady population loss, with rural counties seeing the sharpest declines. Between 2020 and 2023, over 100,000 residents left the state, citing economic uncertainty and limited job growth in small towns.

Dabrowski is a fiscal policy expert and Republican gubernatorial candidate focused on revitalizing Illinois’ economy. With decades of experience in finance and public policy, he advocates for government accountability and stronger local economies.

The State of Illinois, governed by Democrat J.B. Pritzker since 2019, has faced ongoing challenges with population decline and industrial contraction. Once a national manufacturing hub, Illinois continues to seek strategies to retain businesses and workers.