Bill Haine
Monday, Aug 16, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Madison-St. Clair Record…
Former Madison County State’s Attorney and Illinois State Sen. Bill Haine passed away early Monday morning.
Haine, a Democrat, was elected in 2002 as senator of Illinois’ 56th District, which includes the Alton area. He completed his last term in 2018 and chose not to run for re-election after he was diagnosed with blood cancer.
He served on the Criminal Law Committee, Judiciary Committee, Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee, Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Special Issues and Committee of the Whole.
Haine’s son, Tom Haine, is the current Madison County State’s Attorney. Tom Haine, a Republican, was elected State’s Attorney last year.
* From the Haine family…
Strengthened by the sacraments of the Catholic Church and with his beloved wife of 50 years Anna by his side, retired Senator William R. Haine passed away early in the morning on August 16 after the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. In this time of great sorrow, we feel great joy in knowing that Bill, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died peacefully. He was to the end a man of deep and committed Faith in Jesus Christ, surrounded by the songs and prayers of his family, to whom he had offered every ounce of his care and devotion. Though we have every hope that Bill has now joined all the angels and saints in the Kingdom of God for eternity, please continue to pray for his eternal salvation and the comfort of his family, who will miss him greatly.
* Senate President Don Harmon…
“There was no more a gentleman in the Senate than Bill Haine.
“We came to Springfield around the same time, and I learned so much from him.
“Bill dedicated his life to public service, beginning by serving his country in Vietnam, holding several local elected offices and ultimately having a storied career in the Senate.
“His focus was always on serving the people of the Metro East, and he frequently worked across party lines to do so.
“He was a man of faith and family. Every time his family came to visit him on the Senate floor, it was easy to see he had a lot of which to be proud.
“My deepest sympathies go out to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and his beloved wife, Anna. We will all miss you, Bill.”
Harmon really said it best. I’d add that Sen. Haine was also a student of history, particularly about his region. He was a fascinating conversationalist. And, while he was a conservative, law-and-order Democrat, he also sponsored the state’s medical cannabis bill.
…Adding… AG Raoul…
Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued the following statement in response to the passing of former state Sen. William R. “Bill” Haine.
“I had the honor of serving with Bill Haine in the Illinois Senate and working closely with him on the Senate’s Judiciary and Criminal Law Committees where we developed a friendship I have valued throughout my career. He was more than a colleague, he was a mentor and a teacher. Like many of my colleagues, I was not only impressed by ‘Professor’ Haine’s grasp of the law, but his knowledge of the history behind it, as well as history at large. I am a better lawyer and public servant as a result of my time with Bill Haine.
“Bill was a true statesman who was able to disagree without being disagreeable and for whom ‘bipartisanship’ was more than a talking point. He worked across the aisle and across county lines to improve the quality of life for residents of every region of our state.
“Those of us fortunate to know Bill knew that only his deep love of his large family came before his commitment to service. On behalf of the people of Illinois, thank you for sharing your husband, father and grandfather for so many years. We are all better because of his kindness, integrity and leadership. The state of Illinois mourns your loss and celebrates the life of our great friend and colleague.”
* DPI’s Robin Kelly…
The following statement is from Chair Robin Kelly on the passing of former state senator Bill Haine:
“Everyone who knew Bill Haine respected him deeply. Bill was a true professional who led by example and with a deep commitment to public service. His constituents in Metro East and throughout Illinois benefitted from his dedication to making Illinois a great place to live and work. My thoughts and sympathies are with Bill’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
* ISBE…
It is with profound sadness that the Illinois State Board of Elections announces the passing of Board Member William R. Haine.
Haine, 77, of Alton, died Monday.
A former four-term Madison County State’s Attorney and state senator representing parts of the Metro East area, Haine was appointed to the State Board of Elections’ eight-member board as a Democrat in July 2019.
“As a former lawmaker, Member Haine had a particular acumen for helping develop the agency’s legislative agenda,” said Acting Executive Director Bernadette Matthews. “He will be greatly missed both for his deep knowledge and his friendly demeanor.”
The board’s chair and vice-chair also praised Haine.
“Member Haine possessed a wisdom matched only by his wit and charm,” said Chair Ian Linnabary. “His board service, though relatively brief, was marked by the insights of a man who lived a rich, full life. We will all miss him.”
“I was finally able to speak directly with him just last week. Prior thereto, I would leave our messages of support and encouragement with his wife Anna,” said Board Vice-Chair Casandra B. Watson. “It was truly a pleasure to work with him as a member of the State Board of Elections. He will be missed.”
By Illinois law, Gov. JB Pritzker will appoint Haine’s replacement on the eight-member board within 30 days. The board is comprised of four members of each party appointed by the governor.
A full biography of Member Haine can be found on the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
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* Press release…
Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) is recovering from a mild breakthrough case of COVID-19.
He experienced mild symptoms late last week. He immediately self-isolated and sought testing. Contact tracing was implemented upon receiving the result.
Harmon was vaccinated this spring.
“I’m even more grateful to be vaccinated, given how mild my symptoms have been. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated and also to not let their guard down as we try to get back to normal,” Harmon said.
…Adding… The Senate Democrats just finished a virtual caucus meeting. “He looked and sounded good,” said one member.
…Adding… Sun-Times…
Harmon’s political spokesman said he would not attend any political events this week at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. Harmon was slated to speak at the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association brunch on Wednesday.
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* Press release…
Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced an Illinois appellate court’s opinion in Hobby Lobby v. Sommerville that reaffirms the rights of transgender individuals under the Illinois Human Rights Act.
The 2nd District Appellate Court issued the opinion in response to Hobby Lobby’s appeal of a previous Illinois Human Rights Commission’s determination. The commission had found that Hobby Lobby violated the Illinois Human Rights Act when it denied Meggan Sommerville, a transgender woman, use of the women’s bathroom at the store where she works. The court affirmed the commission’s determination that Hobby Lobby violated articles two and five of the Human Rights Act, which prohibit discrimination based on gender identity in the terms and conditions of employment and in the provision of facilities in a place of public accommodation. The commission had awarded Sommerville $220,000 in damages and required Hobby Lobby to grant Sommerville access to the women’s bathroom.
“Nobody deserves to be discriminated against or feel unsafe in their workplace due to their gender identity,” Raoul said. “I applaud the court for reaffirming the Illinois Human Rights Commission’s determination and the rights of transgender individuals in Illinois. Discrimination of any kind has no place in our society, and I will continue to protect the rights of transgender individuals and fight to hold all employers accountable for following antidiscrimination laws.”
Sommerville, a transgender woman, has worked at Hobby Lobby’s East Aurora, Illinois location since the early 2000s. In 2007, she began transitioning from male to female. In early 2010, she legally changed her name, began presenting as female at work, and formally informed Hobby Lobby of her transition and her intent to begin using the women’s bathroom at the store where she works. Hobby Lobby refused to allow Sommerville to use the women’s bathroom.
In February 2013, Sommerville filed complaints with the Illinois Human Rights Commission alleging she had been discriminated against on the basis of her gender identity. In its appeal of the commission’s determination, Hobby Lobby argued that its policy of regulating bathroom access based upon the users’ “sex” – which, it contended, references users’ reproductive organs and structures – does not violate the Illinois Human Rights Act. Hobby Lobby also argued that the damages awarded by the commission were excessive.
The Attorney General’s office represented the Illinois Human Rights Commission and argued that the commission’s determination was correct because Hobby Lobby’s refusal to allow Sommerville to use the women’s bathroom because she is a transgender woman – which resulted in her being treated differently from other women in the store based solely on her gender identity – falls within the Illinois Human Rights Act’s definition of “unlawful discrimination.” As Raoul explained, the law defines “sex” as “the status of being male or female,” and does not draw distinctions based on reproductive organs, genetic information, or the sex marker used on a birth certificate. Raoul also argued that Hobby Lobby could stigmatize Sommerville by requiring her to use a single-occupant, unisex bathroom that, during the litigation, was built at the store where she works.
Supervising Attorney Evan Siegel handled the matter for Raoul’s Civil Appeals Bureau.
Attorney General Raoul encourages individuals to report instances of discrimination or harassment by calling his Civil Rights Hotline at 1-877-581-3692.
The decision is here.
…Adding… Press release…
“I’m pleased to see the court recognize Hobby Lobby’s stance against its employee as what it is: discrimination based on gender-identity,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Ours is a welcoming and inclusive state, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights will go toe to toe with any employer or business that tries to treat individuals differently because of their identity. Just last month, I convened a round table with leaders in the state’s transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming community to connect with those on the ground, fighting these fights every day, on the work still left to do. In our continued efforts to shape a safer Illinois, my administration is on a mission to lift up and empower those who too often have been overlooked or forgotten.”
“The Sommerville decision couldn’t have been better for the transgender community in Illinois,” said IDHR Director Jim Bennett. “It means that trans individuals have strong protection from discrimination under the Illinois Human Rights Act. Ms. Sommerville’s experience of discrimination is certainly not unique, as too many of our transgender friends and neighbors continue to face acts of discrimination and hate. With this decision, the IDHR has been given a clear path to enforce the Commission’s orders concerning the rights of trans persons. It is our expectation that Hobby Lobby will comply with the Court’s opinion and allow Ms. Sommerville to exercise her right to use the women’s bathroom.”
…Adding… Press release…
In a case of first impression, the Illinois Second District Appellate Court of Illinois issued an opinion today upholding the decision of the Illinois Human Rights Commission (IHRC) decision under the Illinois Human Rights Act in favor of Meggan Sommerville, a transgender woman, to gain access to the women’s facilities at work that match her gender identity.
Sommerville, a Hobby Lobby employee for more than 23 years, was forced to use the men’s restroom or wait until her lunch break to use a women’s facility at a nearby business after she transitioned on the job. In 2011, Sommerville filed a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights and subsequently with the IHRC which upheld an administrative judge’s findings that Hobby Lobby violated the Illinois Human Rights Act and awarded her damages of $220,000. Hobby Lobby appealed the decision of the Commission and refused to comply with the order that she be permitted to us the bathroom at work while its appeal was pending.
Meggan Sommerville, “I really want to thank the court for the power of its decision. Today, we are seeing anti-transgender legislation all over the country but today I am overjoyed that I live in a State that has such absolute protections for its transgender citizens. The language of the Court’s decision is so clear that it will have positive ramifications across the US.”
Jacob Meister, an attorney for Sommerville says, “Today is a great day in Illinois for transgender rights. With its decision, the Illinois courts have made clear that Illinois law mandates equal treatment for transgender citizens and that those, like Hobby Lobby who discriminate will be held accountable.”
Illinois State Representative Sam Yingling, who represents a portion of the 2nd Appellate District said, “Illinois was one of the first states in the nation to afford full employment protections to the transgender community. I’m proud that Illinois leads the nation in protection of transgender rights. Meggan Sommerville has endured over a decade of abuse at work by Hobby Lobby solely because of her gender identity. But today the Illinois courts sent a clear message that discrimination on the basis of gender identity is not tolerated in Illinois.”
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* Tribune…
Republican state lawmakers were almost entirely united in opposition to the Democratic-controlled General Assembly’s decisions on how to dole out $2.8 billion in federal coronavirus relief money through the budget passed this spring. […]
Republicans said the money was handed out with few specifics, little public scrutiny and no real opportunity for the minority party to advocate for the needs of their constituents. GOP lawmakers were angry both about being denied the chance to make special requests for their districts and critical of a spending plan that uses federal coronavirus relief funding for programs that reflect Democratic priorities.
* Now, scroll way, way down…
If Republicans feel like similar priorities in their communities have gone unaddressed in the first round of funding from the last federal coronavirus relief package, [Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Elgie Sims] said, the onus is on them to be more productive partners in the budget process.
“When you come to the table in a meaningful way, you’re able to identify and outline those priorities,” Sims said. “That’s how they end up in the budget. But if you don’t identify them and don’t come to the table to talk about that, it’s hard to know what your priorities are.”
As the article mentions, the lone Republican who worked the process was Rep. Brad Stephens, who secured some one-time money for Rosemont’s pandemic-battered convention center.
*** UPDATE *** Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie just called. Here’s some of what he said, edited for space and readability…
Probably about a month before the end of session, I pushed myself over to Don Harmon’s office and I went in and I said, ‘Hey, you guys can pass whatever it is you want on your own if you guys get on the same page. What is it that you’re actually interested in doing on a bipartisan basis?’ And he said ‘That’s a good question, budget, ethics.’ He joked about remap, which wasn’t serious, obviously. [I said] let’s keep in contact about those things. Multiple times over the next month, I brought it up in leadership meetings, as well as personally. Every time I had a meeting with Harmon, I would ask about that. My budget people would go over to Elgie’s office for these budget meetings, at which there’s no information that was provided, there was no mock up, there was nothing in regards to that stuff. It would just be kind of like a real generic level of detail, to the point I would bring this up at Harmon. And at one point Harmon finally said, ‘Well, we’re trying to get on the same page with ourselves.’ This was about a week before the end of session. And he’s like, ‘Once we do that, then we’ll bring you in,’ and it never happened. So I can’t comment about what went on in the house. But I can comment that I specifically tried multiple times with Harmon as well as Chapin and DeWitte and Wilcox, with the budget people, would try to and it was a closed door the entire time. So I’m a little frustrated by the characterization.
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* Subscribers know more. Press release…
The official 2020 decennial counts released by the U.S. Census Bureau on August 12 confirm that the Democrats’ redistricting plan, H.B. 2777, violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law, as well as comparable provisions of the Illinois Constitution. Accordingly, no lawful redistricting plan was effective on June 30, 2021. The Illinois Constitution is clear that responsibility for the plan has shifted to the bipartisan Legislative Redistricting Commission.
“Just as we predicted, the maps that were drawn by Illinois Democrats in a closed room and without public input, and signed by Governor Pritzker, have proven to be unusable and unlawful given the release of the U.S. Census data,” said House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs). “It is now up to the Legislative Redistricting Commission to draw the fair maps our state so desperately needs.”
The Democrats’ proposed House districts have population counts ranging from 92,390 (District 83) to 124,836 (District 5)—a difference of 32,446. Based on a test directed by the U.S. Supreme Court, that difference represents a total population range of 29.88 percent, which is three times the maximum range allowed by federal law. Because the Democrats’ plan unequivocally violates federal law, it is and will be declared void.
“Despite bipartisan pleas to wait for the Census number like 48 other states, Illinois Democratic politicians that were led by Governor Pritzker ignored the voting rights of their own constituents in an attempt to hold absolute power for another decade,” said Illinois Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods). “By breaking his promise and signing this map that has now been proven to be widely inaccurate, Governor Pritzker once again sided with political insiders against the people of Illinois.”
Background:
• The US Census Bureau released the official 2020 decennial census counts, which is sometimes called P.L. 94-171 data, on August 12, 2021. Those counts were released in “legacy format,” which means that they are capable of being read by computer programs commonly used in redistricting and by demographers and statisticians. The Bureau will release interactive data for public consumption later in September, but the counts will be unchanged.
• Experts and consultants retained by the House and Senate Republican Caucuses computed the population counts for each district in the Democrats’ redistricting plan (H.B. 2777). This is done by overlaying the Democrats’ district boundaries on the population counts.
• This is a simple tabulation. Any qualified person attempting to perform the same calculation will arrive at the same counts by district. Unlike the use of ACS estimates, the Census counts are reported to the block-level, so no manipulation, assumptions, or algorithms are needed.
• The U.S. Supreme Court provided instructions for calculating the so-called “maximum population deviation” in Evenwel v. Abbott(2016), based on an earlier 1975 case (Chapman v. Meier). The maximum population deviation of a plan is the sum of the percentage deviations of the most-populated and least-populated districts from perfect population equality.
• The Democrats’ redistricting plan has a maximum population deviation of 29.88 percent, which is three times the maximum deviation allowed by federal law (10 percent). The least-populated House district is House District 83 (92,390 people), which is 14.91 percent below the average district population, and the most-populated House district is House District 5 (124,836), which is 14.97 percent above the average district population.
• This total deviation of approximately 30 percent is within the range forecasted in the Republican Leaders’ complaint filed in federal court. Based on simulations of the use of 2005-2009 ACS estimates compared to the 2010 decennial census counts, we had forecasted a deviation of at least 23 percent.
• Because the Democrats’ plan violates federal law, the Republican Leaders have asked the federal court to declare H.B. 2777 void, meaning it was never of any force or effect. The Illinois Constitution is clear that if no valid plan was in effect on June 30th, responsibility for enacting a plan shifts to the bipartisan Legislative Redistricting Commission.
This post may be updated. But, as I told subscribers earlier today, the Democrats do not agree with the Republican claim about what this development may do to the existing maps.
* Meanwhile, my weekly syndicated newspaper column went over some of the same ground we covered here last week…
In the wake of last week’s Census numbers release, the news media has widely reported a seeming reduction in the number of white people, both nationally and here in Illinois.
“Census shows U.S. is diversifying, white population shrinking,” the Associated Press reported.
“Overall, in the five collar counties [of the Chicago area], the white population declined by 183,869 over the past decade,” the Chicago Tribune reported.
But is that true?
The Census Bureau itself claims that racial and Hispanic origin population changes are “largely due to improvements in the design of the two separate questions for race data collection and processing, as well as some demographic changes over the past 10 years.” The Census Bureau has been working since 2015 to find a different way to ask questions that yielded more informative and realistic results. And the Bureau now claims the tweaks it ended up making to its questions yielded, “a more accurate portrait of how people report their Hispanic origin and race.”
In other words, while significant population increases, decreases, movements and racial mixtures undoubtedly did occur, the new Census questions mean people are supposedly now more able to self-define who they really are, and that has resulted in a major change in the results.
The number of people identifying as white alone “dropped 14% during the 10-year period,” the State Journal-Register reported on the Illinois results. “Meanwhile, the number of people who said they are white and at least one other race rose by 334%, or 820,879 people.” If the Census Bureau is right about the impact of its changes, then all those 800,000+ people didn’t just materialize in the past decade. Many or even most were already here.
The same goes for Black people. “The number of people identifying as Black alone, about 1.8 million people, dropped 3.1%” in Illinois, the State Journal-Register reported. “However, those who said they were Black and at least one other race increased by 76,243, or almost 89%.”
And the 15 % increase here of folks with “Hispanic origin” may have as much to do with the Bureau’s new and “more accurate portrait” than an actual change.
Anyway, it’s food for thought, especially since legislative and congressional districts are drawn with those results in mind.
…Adding… Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy…
“Illinois Democrats forged ahead with a nakedly partisan and sham process of politicians drawing their own districts behind closed doors in the face of repeated pleas from good government reformers and community groups to wait until the official census numbers were released. Democrats refused. Now the courts have no option but to strike down this wildly unconstitutional amatuer artwork presentation masquerading as a lawful legislative map. It’s time for the bi-partisan map-making process to take over.”
* Related…
* 2020 census will fuel Black-Latino power struggle over Chicago ward map. ‘It’s absolutely going to get ugly.’
* Census shifts put power up for grabs but some see Hispanic Chicago mayor by end of decade
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* Background is here if you need it. From Dan Kovats, Executive Director, Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association…
Dear IDCCA Supporter,
We look forward to seeing you at the 2021 Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Brunch.
We have received a strong response from Democrats all over the state. Our friends, colleagues and allies are eager to welcome our special guest, US Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, hear from our outstanding Democratic leaders and also share in the pride as we honor John Penn and the late Barb Brown.
BRUNCH WILL BE HELD OUTSIDE AT THE CROWNE PLAZA - SPRINGFIELD
The 2021 IDCCA Annual Brunch will be held outdoors under a tent with open sides to further mitigate any concerns from attendees about the coronavirus. Plan to spend the morning outside under the tent. Pay attention to the weather forecast, we can expect heat and humidity, and dress accordingly. The schedule remains the same, but here are some new details.
IDCCA Annual Brunch
Wednesday, August 18th
7:15am – Shuttle Bus from parking lot starts
7:30am – On-Site Registration Opens
9:00am – Program Begins
Crowne Plaza- Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield
Covid Guidelines
1. We recommend that everyone in attendance wear a mask.
2. Seating capacity is limited with special precautions given to wide rows of seats and space between seats for social distancing.
3. All meals will be in boxes that you will be given when you arrive. Items in the boxes will be wrapped. Packaged hot sandwiches will be provided.
4. We have modified our ticket pick up and have a virtual option to participate.
5. Crowne Plaza staff will be taking all proper precautions.
6. We will have access to the Crown Plaza for restrooms and cooling off. Inside the Crowne Plaza you will be required to wear a mask.
Ticket Pick-Up
Tickets will be held under the name of each guest.
On Tuesday, August 17th, tickets will be available for pick up from 12:00pm to 8:00pm at the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association Office – 318 E Monroe St, Springfield.
We are asking everyone to pick up their tickets on Tuesday afternoon. This will help reduce the long lines on the morning of the Brunch. If you are unable to make it to our office on Tuesday afternoon, your ticket will also be available for pick up the morning of the Brunch starting at 7:30am outside of the Crowne Plaza.
Please note, tickets will be required for entry.
If you have not already done so, please submit the individual names for your tickets to xxxxx@ildccabrunch.org ASAP!
Parking
You will not be able to park at the Crowne Plaza, unless you have a handicapped permit. We have provided free parking at the Capitol City Shopping Center just south of the Crowne Plaza, with a shuttle starting at 7:15am running continuously until 11:00 am. Note: You will be required to wear a mask while on the shuttle.
Special Accommodation
We are providing ASL interpreters and accessible seating for those with need. For more information or to request special accommodations please contact xxxxx@ildccabrunch.org
Again, thank you for your support of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association and this year’s County Chairs’ Brunch.
Questions? Please contact our staff at xxxxx.
I’ll be asking for a response from the Pritzker campaign in a moment.
*** UPDATE *** From Pritzker’s campaign spokesperson…
After deciding not to attend the IDCCA brunch the Governor made plans with his family back in Chicago. He will be sending a video message about the importance of electing Democrats up and down the ballot and will still be hosting a scaled-back outdoor event on the Director’s Lawn in honor of Governor’s Day.
A governor who can afford a private jet can make plans like this, I suppose. Still.
(To address potential comments, yes, he’s coming back to his State Fair event that afternoon.)
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* We’re going to take yesterday’s Census news in chunks today. We’ll start with Downstate…
“We see a strong relationship to population size with small counties tending to lose population and more populous counties tending to gain people,” [Marc Perry, senior demographer in the US Census Bureau’s Population Division] said.
In general, across the country, Perry said people are moving to larger cities.
“Counties with 1,000 to 5,000 people, 5,000 to 10,000 people and 10,000 to 50,000 people also lost people this decade on average,” Perry said. “Only two categories of counties showed growth. Counties with between 50,000 and 100,000 people grew by 4.1% while counties with 100,000 or more people grew by 9.1%.”
* Brenden Moore…
Downstate Illinois is continuing to hollow out, with U.S. Census data, released Thursday afternoon, confirming the region’s losses as the main driver of the state’s population loss over the past 10 years.
All but 14 of Illinois’ 102 counties experienced population decline this past decade, but the distribution was uneven, with eight counties in populous northeastern Illinois (Cook County, the five suburban “collar” counties and exurban Grundy and Kendall counties) combining for nearly 149,000 in population growth.
But, the rest of the state combined to lose nearly 167,000 people, creating a net loss of more than 18,000 residents and making Illinois just one of three states to lose population this decade. […]
There were some pockets of downstate growth, with Champaign’s population increasing 8.2% to 88,302, making it one of the state’s 10 largest cities. Bloomington also registered a 2.6% jump to 78,680.
Other areas of growth included Carroll, Effingham, Johnson, Monroe and Williamson counties.
* AP…
The Danville, Illinois, area was among 72 metro areas that lost population between the 2010 and 2020 census. The area just west of the Illinois/Indiana border saw the third-largest percentage decline of those 72, losing 12.5% of its population, according to the Census Bureau.
Kendall County, located about 50 miles southwest of Chicago and home to communities including Oswego and Yorkville, was Illinois’ fastest-growing county, growing nearly 15%.
* Tribune…
Downstate, Carroll, McLean, Champaign, Effingham, Monroe, Williamson and Johnson counties showed slight growth.
But several downstate counties suffered significant population losses of at least 10%, including some in western and southern Illinois. Alexander County at the southwestern tip of the state had the biggest loss, shedding 36% of its residents over the decade, shrinking from 8,238 people to 5,240.
* And while some college towns increased population, others did not…
Coles County’s population dropped nearly 13% in the past decade, from 53,873 in 2010 to 46,863 in 2020, according to new U.S. Census numbers.
This came as a disappointment for Mattoon City Administrator Kyle Gill.
“I figured we might see a drop in numbers, but I didn’t expect it to be that much,” said Gill. “Especially for the whole county.”
Mattoon dropped from 18,555 people in 2010 to 16,870 in 2020. Charleston also shrank in population from 21,838 to 17,286. […]
Jackson County, home of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, was down 12%. McDonough County, home of Western Illinois University, had a 16.5% decline.
* SJ-R…
In Sangamon County, 2010’s population of 197,465 dropped 0.57%, or 1,122 people, to 196,343. The city of Springfield’s population dropped 1.5%, from 116,250 in 2010 to 114,394 in 2020. […]
Molly Berns, executive director of the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission, said the drop in Springfield and Sangamon County’s population wasn’t as large as predicted based on 2019 population estimates from the Census Bureau.
“You never want to be pleased with a population decline,” she said. “I was kind of bracing myself. We knew there was going to be some sort of drop in the population.”
Berns said Springfield and Sangamon County, like communities across Illinois and the Midwest, are experiencing the effects of an aging population, couples having fewer children, a reduction in manufacturing and other good-paying jobs, and the allure of major metropolitan areas for young adults and warmer climates for older people.
*** UPDATE *** Click here and you’ll see how freshman US Rep. Mary Miller regularly bashes Chicago…
But, here’s the thing. Miller lives in Coles County, which lost 13 percent of its population in ten years. The Danville area is also in her district and lost 12.5 percent of its population.
So, maybe try a little less Chicago-bashing and a whole lot more focusing on solving the very real problems in her own neighborhoods?
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