Reclaiming Illinois Pride: Addressing the Loathing and Building a Better State

In my earlier post on the NBC Chicago documentary "Separation: A State without Chicago", we saw real frustration bubbling up across Illinois. The idea of downstate and suburban areas breaking away from Cook County and Chicago highlights deep divides—political control from the metro area, burdensome taxes, quality-of-life concerns, and debates over whether Chicago functions more as a fiscal drain than an economic engine for the whole state. Rural and small-town Illinois often feels overshadowed. These tensions feed into a broader sentiment: many Illinoisans seem to loathe the state or at least complain about it constantly.

This isn’t new. Back in 2022, the Geography King profile of Illinois noted a sense of self-loathing among residents—no one seems eager to defend the state. And during that year’s governor’s race, I shared thoughts on "IL Governor's race and trashing Illinois", observing how some political talk focuses more on tearing the state down than on fixing it and making the Land of Lincoln better.

For some folks, trashing Illinois has become a perverse pleasure https://t.co/tPAX9DJX6K

— Capitol Fax (@capitolfax) May 23, 2022

But why exactly does this persist, and what can we do to foster genuine pride instead? 

Why the Frustration Runs Deep at the State Level

Illinois faces structural headwinds that affect everyone from the northern suburbs to southern farms. High overall tax burdens, with property taxes among the worst in the nation, top many residents' lists of complaints. The state's massive pension obligations—among the largest unfunded liabilities in the country—drive much of that pressure, crowding out investments in infrastructure, services, and tax relief. Domestic outmigration continues, with tens of thousands leaving for other states each year, even as international migration provides a slight overall population buffer. Governance issues, including long-standing patterns of one-party dominance and accountability gaps, amplify perceptions that the system isn't responsive to the needs of the full state. These aren't just gripes—they show up in polls, migration data, and everyday conversations about affordability and the future.

The Strengths Worth Pride

Despite the challenges, Illinois has plenty to celebrate as a state. As the Land of Lincoln and the Prairie State, we carry a legacy of leadership and innovation that shaped the nation. Our diverse economy spans world-class finance and transportation hubs, robust agriculture and manufacturing, and strong GDP metrics. The Geography King analysis highlighted reasonable housing prices in much of the state alongside these economic assets—potential that could put Illinois in conversation with stronger-performing states. Natural assets like Lake Michigan, rivers, and prairies provide beauty and resources. Recent progress, such as meaningful drops in violent crime in Chicago during 2025, reminds us that positive change is achievable when focus is applied. These elements form a foundation for renewed state pride—if we choose to build on them rather than just “trashing” the state.

Starting with Governance Changes 

For me, rebuilding Illinois pride begins with structural reforms in how the state is governed. Without addressing root issues in budgeting, pensions, taxation, and political accountability across regions, the cycle of frustration and outmigration will continue. These aren’t quick fixes, and they deserve their own deeper discussion in a future post. But recognizing the need for better governance—more responsive to all parts of Illinois—is the essential first step toward a state we can all take pride in again. Better policies could retain families, attract businesses, ease tax pressures, and restore faith in state institutions.

Pride in Illinois doesn’t mean ignoring problems. It means refusing to let them define us and committing to the hard work of improvement. We have the history, resources, and talent to make this state thrive once more.

What do you think? 

How can we make Illinois a better state? Share your thoughts on governance priorities, what makes you proud to be an Illinoisan, or ideas for moving forward in the comments. Let’s use this platform to explore real solutions.