J.B. Pritzker’s “Toilet Tax” Controversy Resurfaces as Illinois Continues to Lose Residents

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is once again facing political scrutiny as a long-standing property tax controversy collides with renewed concern over population loss from the state. Critics argue that the combination of high taxes, cost-of-living pressures, and questions about leadership credibility is contributing to a steady outflow of residents, while the governor’s supporters insist the narrative oversimplifies complex economic and demographic trends.

At the center of the political debate is the so-called “toilet tax” scandal, a controversy dating back to 2018 when Pritzker, then a gubernatorial candidate, was accused of exploiting a property tax loophole on a Chicago mansion he owned. Toilets were removed from the property during a renovation, temporarily rendering the home uninhabitable under assessment rules and lowering its taxable value. A Cook County inspector general later described the move as part of a “scheme to defraud” local taxpayers. Pritzker ultimately repaid the disputed tax savings and has maintained that the issue was resolved years ago, but critics continue to cite it as emblematic of unfairness in Illinois’ tax system.

The controversy has gained renewed traction amid reports that tens of thousands of people are leaving Illinois each year. According to IRS domestic migration data, Illinois has experienced one of the largest net population losses in the country, with many residents relocating to lower-tax states such as Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. While exact figures vary by year and data source, analysts consistently point to a significant outflow of taxpayers and income, raising concerns about the long-term health of the state’s tax base.

Opponents of the governor argue that these trends reflect policy failure. They say high property taxes, pension obligations, and business costs are driving families and employers away, leaving fewer residents to shoulder the financial burden. Republican lawmakers and fiscal watchdog groups frequently link the outmigration to what they describe as an uncompetitive tax environment, using the resurfaced “toilet tax” episode to question whether the system is rigged in favor of the wealthy and politically connected.

Pritzker’s administration strongly disputes the framing. The governor’s office has noted that while Illinois has lost residents through domestic migration, overall population numbers are influenced by multiple factors, including international immigration and natural population changes. Officials also emphasize that the state has made progress stabilizing finances, improving credit ratings, and investing in infrastructure, education, and public transit.

Supporters of the governor argue that focusing on a resolved property tax controversy distracts from broader challenges facing many Midwestern states, such as aging populations and shifting economic patterns. They also point out that migration trends accelerated nationwide during and after the pandemic, complicating direct comparisons between states.

Nevertheless, the political impact is real. The combination of outmigration data and unresolved public skepticism about taxes has kept pressure on Pritzker as Illinois approaches future budget negotiations and election cycles. For many voters, the debate is less about a single incident and more about trust, affordability, and whether the state can retain its middle class.

As Illinois continues to grapple with these issues, the resurfacing of the “toilet tax” controversy underscores a deeper divide over taxation and governance. Whether the state can reverse population losses and restore confidence will depend on more than past scandals—it will hinge on whether residents believe Illinois offers a sustainable and fair future.