McHenry Times

Illinois isn't as big a chunk of America as it used to be, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and even people from outside the state are startled by the changing population numbers.

Census Bureau data shows that Pennsylvania has surpassed Illinois and has become the fifth most populous state in the country. The data shows this is the fourth year of Illinois' population decline, and between the summers of 2016 and 2017, the numbers show Illinois lost approximately 33,000 residents. 

That's no drop in the bucket, and some advocates of stronger state support for taxpayers are contending that businesses are moving out of state along with residents.

The news of the population decline doesn't come as a surprise to many of the candidates seeking offices, including seats in the General Assembly; and many of these office seekers are making tax relief part of their platforms and telling anyone who will listen why Illinois population is decreasing.

Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) has a track record of taking on these kinds of issues.

"Working-class families are tired of Illinois culture of corruption," Skillicorn told the McHenry Times on Monday in response to the census report on the state's population decline.

Skillicorn pointed to Attorney General Lisa Madigan as presiding over an ineffective department including over 700 attorneys. "The attorney general ... turns a blind eye to fraud, waste and abuse," Skillicorn said.

In the past, Skillicorn also has criticized local governments, such as Algonquin Township where a former highway commissioner was accused of nepotism and unethical behavior.