Jeff Leef feels the pain felt by taxpayers in Illinois, making it virtually impossible for the River Forest Republican who is vying for the seat held by longtime U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) in the 7th Congressional District to ask residents not to follow their hearts in trying to make things better for themselves.
“I can't with good conscience ask people to not flee Illinois for greener pastures,” he told the West Cook News. “Ultimately, we all must do what is best for our families.”
Recent data compiled by the Census Bureau shows more and more people are turning their back on Illinois and walking away in mounting frustration.
With 33,700 people having left Illinois over a yearlong period commencing in July 2016, Illinois has now slipped to the nation’s sixth largest state, falling behind Pennsylvania as the out-migration shows few signs of abating.
In addition, from July 2016 to July 2017, approximately 115,000 residents left the state on net for other states. Over the last seven years, that number swelled to almost 643,000.
The Illinois Policy Institute reports the dip in numbers over the last year represents the worst decline of any other state and the third-worst decline across the country in terms of percentages.
Researchers also note that at a time when neighboring states are experiencing population growth, Illinois’ decline represents the fourth straight year the state has trended downward in that category.
If voters are ever going to bring about the level of change many of them are now demanding, Leef said the revolt has to include the ouster of longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago).
“The only way to get Illinois back on track is to cut off the head of the snake,” he said. “In other words, vote them all out of office. It's time for voters to demand honesty in their elected officials.”
The 7th Congressional District includes much of the West Side of Chicago and parts of Bellwood, Broadview Maywood, Oak Park, Westchester and River Forest.
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