Gov. J.B. Pritzker said state agencies need to trim 4%, blaming President Donald Trump and a slowing national economy. Illinois’ economic woes started long before Trump.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson likes to parrot platitudes about taxing the rich to fix the city, CTA and Chicago Public Schools finances. But all three made bad decisions and did not adjust to post-pandemic realities. And the rich can move away.

Illinois has the third-highest corporate income taxes in the nation. These are some of the most harmful taxes to economic growth, particularly in times of economic hardship.

Of the states most Americans are moving to, 4 of 5 have a flat or no income tax. The states losing the most residents? There again, 4 of 5 have progressive taxes. Illinois’ flat tax is an advantage it should keep.