Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) | Photo Courtesy of Amy Elik
Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) | Photo Courtesy of Amy Elik
An Alton legislator blamed the Democratic-led state government for Illinois losing a congressional seat, tieing it to what she believes is a history of corruption and ineffective policies to make Illinois a more desirable state.
Rep. Amy Elik's (R-Alton) comments came in a video she did with Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) posted to YouTube May 3, where they talked about the Census ramifications other concerning issues.
"We can see that one-party dominance has led to population loss and many issues with corruption in the state," Elik said. "I think that changing the balance of power will benefit all of the citizens of Illinois."
Republicans have pushed for several policy changes, including a plan they call Reimagine Illinois. GOP lawmakers said this effort is to improve fiscal leadership, nurture the neglected job opportunities, bring a code of ethics back into the statehouse, and public safety, among other areas.
Elik said the power structure in the Prairie State needs rebalancing as the state heads into the 10-year redistricting process.
Illinois' population loss in the 2020 Census was the worst it's been in a long time; the state saw more than 51,000 residents from June of 2018 to July of 2019, according to Illinois Policy.
As a result of the population exodus, Illinois will lose its fifth U.S. Congress seat in 30 years. A Republican House district from downstate Illinois is also expected to dissipate in the state legislature.
The state redistricting process is in full swing as Republicans continue to express concern that the maps drawn by the Democratic supermajority will beget yet another decade of gerrymandered representation.
"It's really important that we draw these lines in a nonpartisan manner," Butler said. "The people had spoken several years ago.
Alerts Sign-up