Rauner: “The simple fact is for states that are high-tax, high-spending states, it makes it more difficult. … For states like Illinois and others, it makes it more difficult,” Rauner said.

“It makes it all the more important that we make the type of changes that … I’ve been recommending from day one. That we bring down our property taxes, that we work down the income tax hike that Speaker (Michael) Madigan forced through last (July),” he said. “It makes it all the more essential that we in Illinois make those changes.”

Illinois would have seen above-average growth if the state’s workforce had simply grown on par with the rest of the U.S. economy. Instead, poor policy choices have made the state an economic laggard. Illinois’ slow expansion is likely a product of investment-killing tax hikes

According to Census data released Wednesday, Illinois lost 33,703 in total population. That’s a greater population decline than any other state in America.

By Wirepoints’ Mark Glennon: With no public attention, “implicit racial bias” training for Illinois teachers became state law on July 1. Be concerned. The issue is whether the training, which is mandatory and unfunded, will be another self-defeating chapter in identity politics, dominated by those who inflame racial division in the name of “equity.”

Near the end of the hourlong session, the governor was asked if he had bad messaging during his time in office and what