As reports of Illinois population decline continues one immediate concern is the loss of a seat in Congress. And the loss of a seat is expected to hit downstate Illinois and rural communities. 
Republican Congressman Darin LaHood from the Peoria area says the state’s in competition with 49 others to keep the population and build and grow communities. And as he watches the population shrink he’s concerned about the voice of rural Illinois being diminished.

Illinois currently has 18 Congressional seats ranking 5th in terms of overall representation in Congress.