Progressive Government's Impact on Illinois and Chicago: A Comprehensive Analysis

As the Democratic National Convention in Chicago approaches, Illinois and Chicago's political establishment, led by Gov. JB Pritzker, is highlighting its achievements. Mayor Brandon Johnson is also sharing his vision for progressive governance, which includes raising wages for Chicago workers and striving for a ceasefire in Gaza. From a progressive perspective, these achievements are significant: a higher minimum wage, the establishment of Illinois as a sanctuary for abortion rights, a substantial capital budget, aggressive green energy mandates, and welcoming policies for migrants. Gov. Pritzker has even declared Illinois as "the most progressive state in the nation and damn proud of it." However, there is another side to this story. Progressive policies have also resulted in some severe consequences for Illinois and Chicago. This article provides a summary of these consequences, each supported by facts and data.

Population and Tax Base Exodus

According to the Census Bureau's decennial count (2010-2020), Illinois was one of only three states to lose population over the decade. Since 2000, over 1.5 million people have left Illinois, resulting in an estimated loss of $3.6 billion in income tax revenue in 2022 alone.

Stagnant Economy and Job Market

Illinois' current unemployment rate of 5.0% is the 3rd-worst in the nation. The state ranks between 45th and 47th in the country in economic metrics such as GDP, employment, and personal income.

Expensive and Broken Education System

Illinois' education system is struggling, with only 35% of students statewide able to read at grade level and only 27% proficient in math. Despite this, the state is spending nearly $24,000 per student in 2024, up more than 30% compared to 2019.

Rampant Crime

Chicago has led the nation in total homicides for 12 years in a row. Crime levels and overwhelmed police mean that if you're a victim of a crime in Chicago, there's a 50/50 chance there will be no police to respond to your 911 call.

Suffocating Taxes

Illinois residents pay the nation's highest property taxes, the country's 2nd-highest gas taxes, and the 2nd-highest corporate income tax rate.

Pension Crisis Ignored

Illinois has the worst pension crisis in the nation under most metrics. The unfunded liability for Illinois state pensions grew from $137 billion in 2019 (when Pritzker took office) to $142 billion in its most recent report.

Massive Spending on Illegal Immigrants

The estimated number of illegal immigrants in Illinois is between 500,000 to 680,000, imposing a total taxpayer cost of about $6 billion per year.

Failure to Achieve Equity

Despite equity being a primary measure of success for Illinois and Chicago's progressive government, studies show that their equity efforts have been largely unsuccessful.

Focus on Statism and Renewable Energy

Most of Illinois' recent major employment announcements were induced through taxpayer subsidies. Most new major projects subsidized by the state are renewable energy projects.

Assault on Free Speech and Autocracy

Illinois has established itself as the state most hostile to First Amendment free speech rights. During the covid pandemic, Illinois was ruled under 45 consecutive monthly emergency orders, giving unparalleled power to the executive.

Poor Pandemic Management

Illinois and Chicago's response to the covid pandemic has been fraught with failures, including massive fraud in pandemic relief, suppression of dissent and conflicting data, unfounded projections portrayed as “science,” and willful indifference to the rule of law.

More Issues

There are more issues, including deceitful or dishonest claims by Pritzker and the state, aggressive mail-in voting rules, no requirement for picture IDs, and potentially the most gerrymandered maps in the nation.

Bottom Line

This comprehensive analysis provides a stark contrast to the progressive triumphs touted by Illinois and Chicago's political establishment. While there have been some notable achievements, there are also severe consequences that cannot be ignored. So, what do you think about this analysis? Do you agree or disagree with the points raised? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss it further. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.