The state lost a bigger share per resident moving out than anywhere else in the country, according to IRS data.

Residents of all age and income groups move out, but those making over $200,000 lead the departures.

A net of nearly 56,000 people and $6 billion in income left the state in 2023, according to IRS data.

This Small Business Saturday, Illinois has more entrepreneurs than before the COVID-19 pandemic. But the recovery has been uneven as some types of small businesses struggle and many jobs are missing as Illinois lags the national rebound.

State lawmakers passed a bill allowing local governments to waive licensing fees and registration costs for businesses harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it won’t spare them from state taxes.

Ownership of bars and restaurants also has declined over 70%, thanks to COVID-19 and associated restrictions

Most new jobs in Illinois are created by small businesses, yet state leaders are asking voters to hurt them by raising taxes on these employment dynamos.

A history of tax hikes to prop up unsustainable spending makes Illinois a frosty climate for small businesses.