West Central Reporter

Joshua Griffith laments that recent IRS data showing that more than 86,000 fled Illinois over a yearlong period beginning 2015 at a taxpayer cost of nearly $5 billion could be just a sign of times to come.

"One of the things that I am striving to do if I am elected is make Illinois a destination state once again,” Griffith, the Abingdon Republican who is running against Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) in the 93rd District, said in a Facebook post. “This is contrary to newest statistics that have been released by the IRS, in which Illinois saw over 85,000 people leave the state in the 2015 tax year.”

Griffith argues that representatives like Hammond have failed voters with policies like the 32 percent tax hike that is part of the new state budget, resulting in many fleeing for better opportunities in neighboring states.

“This tax hike is only going to add to the current number of residents fleeing the state,” he added in the post. “Taxes have been cited as the number one source for the exodus. Illinois will continue to see this trend of people fleeing with the current leadership we have in place. We already know that Hammond and (House Speaker Mike) Madigan (D-Chicago) like to raise taxes and in return break up families that have to leave extended family behind for better opportunities.”

Griffith said the solution lies in an overhaul of leadership in Springfield.

“Having knocked on over 1,500 doors in the past three months, it is evident that people think that the taxes are too high,” he added. “The only answer that they (lawmakers) have is to continue to raise our taxes to pay for their mismanagement. The people want their voices to be heard. This is why we need a change in leadership in Springfield and in the 93rd District.”

Griffith said part of his motivation for running stems from wanting a better future for his five children.

“I am going to Springfield to represent the people and to make sure your voices are heard,” he said. “I want to make Illinois a destination state once again, friendlier for businesses and for the taxpayers. It is time for a change in leadership."

The Illinois Policy Institute reports the net loss of nearly 42,000 tax returns over the yearlong period represents an all-time high, with millennial taxpayers leading the exodus of those seeking greener pastures.

The institute adds the top 10 states to which Illinois lost people were Florida (12,800 exemptions gained from Illinois on net), Texas (9,400), Indiana (8,200), California (7,600), Arizona (6,400), Wisconsin (6,000), Colorado (4,700), Georgia (4,200), Tennessee (3,600) and North Carolina (2,700).

The 93rd House District includes parts or all of Brown, Cass, Fulton, Knox, Mason, McDonough, Schuyler and Warren counties.