Lake County Gazette

Republican state Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) said Illinois has an "unfriendly business climate" that makes it harder for people to want to stay in the state.

Illinois' business climate is a "big, flashing neon sign." Boz told the Lake County Gazette.

"When you've got people on the edge already over higher taxes and rising debt, the last thing you need is for people to see that coupled with pandemic and lockdown restrictions, especially when you can see other states fighting and doing all they can to help their businesses to survive," Bos said.

In January, Illinois Policy reported that two of the largest moving companies in the country concluded that upward of 60% of interstate moves served by them on behalf of Illinois residents were of the outbound variety.

With taxes and lack of job opportunities ranking among the biggest reasons for many deciding to walk away, researchers find it all adds up to the state experiencing its most extensive outmigration levels in 2020 since World War II, Illinois Policy reported.

Bos said the only way forward in making a real difference is for a complete overhaul in Springfield.

"We need a legislature working for the people," he said. "The first thing we need is to regain the trust of residents, but establishing this isn't about a ruling class maintaining power but setting things up for the benefit of the masses. We need to give people hope and that starts with a balanced budget and living within our means."

Through it all, Bos hoped that Illinois could someday be welcoming again.

"I think it can be good again," he said. "The thing to remember is it took time to get to this point, and it'll take time to get out. We have to keep moving forward so those here can still believe in what can be."