We need a new state motto… how about, “The Working State?”

“Wisconsin is the best-kept secret in the Midwest,” Bauer said. “With our strong economy, we have something to sell.”

The overall labor force participation rate in Wisconsin is considered one of the best in the nation, with more employment now than at any other time in the state’s history.

Meanwhile, the Chicago metro had to deal with the second straight year of significant population loss: 19,570 people left in 2016, and 11,000 left in 2015.  Those types of numbers are expected to continue in the near term, especially if nothing is done about the unemployment rate, the budget, high property taxes and crime.

And the bad news gets worse: Researchers say most people exiting Illinois are younger working-age adults who would have been potential long-term taxpayers.

“Illinois’ fiscal situation makes the state a walking time bomb that could explode at any time,” Bauer added.