Metro East Sun

Incoming state Rep. David Friess (R-Red Bud) fears the mass exodus from Illinois may just be kicking into high gear.

"Without question, high taxes are the number one driving force that is fueling Illinois' outmigration problem," Friess told the Metro East Sun. "Combined with a failing, overburdened bureaucracy, we will continue to see an ever-increasing number of people fleeing the state."

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, the state has already lost nearly 170,000 residents over the last decade, with 93 of its 102 counties also experiencing reductions. Overall, at least 10 counties have lost at least 5,000 residents, with Cook County topping the list at approximately 49,000 individuals.

Friess, who bagged 65% of the vote in knocking off incumbent Nathan Reitz (D-Red Bud) for the District 116 seat, urged lawmakers to put the people they represent first finally. 

"The General Assembly and the governor must come together on passing a truly balanced budget, work to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse from every governmental agency and program and work to give the working men and women of Illinois tax relief," he said.

Deeper analysis shows that downstate counties have particularly been hard hit, with the region losing 3.2% of its 2010 population over the same time period, Census data found. In addition, statistics showed the losses in Cook County represent the second-worst for any county nationwide, with only Wayne County in Michigan losing more people.

Friess argues the time for action is now.

"If Illinois does not change and reverse the trend of outmigration sooner rather than later, Illinois will continue to decline economically," he said. "We cannot continue to operate with a declining population. We must create a business-friendly atmosphere that not only encourages Illinoians to stay in Illinois but also attracts new and innovative businesses to our state."