(The Center Square) – After U.S. Census data shows the state losing the 18 and under population faster than any other state, Illinois political leaders have different solutions.
Asked Thursday about the latest U.S. Census data released this week showing Illinois losing the 18 and under population at a faster rate than any other state, Pritzker dismissed it.
“You’ve got to look at all the data and understand that when you’re trying to attract, remember that every state has people that leave and come, the point is to get net improvement in population,” Pritzker told The Center Square after a campaign rally in Chicago.
Data confirms Illinois gained population over the last year, but lost population since 2020.
Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi said it’s clear the policies of Pritzker and majority Statehouse Democrats are driving people out with increased taxes and spending. She said Republicans have the answers.
“Under Republican leadership you will find responsible control of government and getting government out of the lives of ordinary families, and that’s the difference between Republican and Democrat,” Salvi told The Center Square.
Pritzker announced his bid for a third term as governor Thursday.
Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton, who announced in April she’s vying for the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, said the Pritzker administration’s policies are focused on younger people.
“When I think about erasing medical debt, when I think about making college more affordable, when I think about the pathways to the trades and jobs, community college, even child care and making that more accessible, those are things that Gov. Pritzker and I have delivered on here in Illinois.”
Salvi said the Democrats’ policies aren’t helping, they’re hurting.
“Major corporations and businesses that rely on those have shuttered up and to move to more tax friendly states and with them go families and jobs to better climates,” Salvi said. “So this is the Pritzker legacy,”
Aside from losing people 18 and under at the fastest rate in the country, Illinois had the 6th fastest rate of losing working populations between 19 and 64 years old.
Jim Talamonti contributed to this story.
