Since 2013, the last year Illinois’ population grew, the state’s net population has plummeted by more than than 223,000 residents. That number includes births, deaths, and domestic and international migration. That means it also reflects the Illinois Exodus about which we have been writing, urging state leaders to implement pro-growth policies. We’ve pushed legislators to allow voters to loosen the Illinois Constitution’s pension clause to protect what government workers have earned so far, but also allow lawmakers to scale back future benefits. That would ease income and property tax pressure across the state. It would give frustrated residents a reason to stay.