The state of Illinois recently lost three Fortune 500 companies, and its population has declined by more than 100,000 residents in the past two years. Meanwhile, its largest city is a poster child for rampant crime and a failing public education system. How fitting — and deliciously ironic — that Chicago was selected this week to host the 2024 Democratic national convention. The symbolism is rich. Illinois is a one-party state dominated by public-employee unions. Property taxes are among the highest in the nation. The state’s government pension system is a monument to red ink, running almost $140 billion in the hole. According to the Tax Foundation, Illinois ranks 36th in the country for its business tax climate, worst in the region. State Democrats have one answer for most issues: higher taxes and more regulation. Politicians in Springfield are contemplating a new “wealth” tax and a revamp of the state’s income tax system that will separate citizens from more of their hard-earned money. At the same time, the state’s education system is a dumpster fire. A recent analysis by Wirepoints concluded that there are 23 public schools in Illinois — including 18 in Chicago — at which no students are grade-level proficient in either reading or math. Not surprisingly, teachers unions have a stranglehold on education policy. --https://www.reviewjournal.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-democrats-find-their-eden-for-2024-national-convention-2760977/
