SE Illinois News

Illinois House candidate David Friess (R-Red Bud) is counting the days until small businesses in Southern Illinois can get back on track, if possible.

“As soon as it is safe to do so, I would like to see an easing of social distancing and the state reopen for business,” Friess, who is running against incumbent state Rep. Nathan Reitz (D-Steeleville) in the 116th District, told the SE Illinois News. “The stay-at-home order has devastated restaurants, bars and countless other mom and pop shops, which were deemed non-essential but are the life blood of small communities. I am concerned that many of these small businesses will never reopen, causing a devastating ripple effect felt through their communities.”

With Gov. J.B. Pritzker having recently extended his stay-at-home order at least through May, Friess worries that all the government has done to try to help keep small businesses afloat through the crisis might not be enough.

“The federal government's Paycheck Protection Program may help, however I believe small businesses will require additional assistance in the form of tax relief,” Friess said. “Unfortunately, everyone in Illinois, including small businesses, are getting crushed by Illinois' ever-increasing tax burden. Now, in these unprecedented times, instead of considering tax relief, the governor is still pushing a progressive tax increase.”

With the stay-at-home order now entering its second full month, Friess says he especially feels the pain of Downstate small business owners.

“Small businesses have certainly taken the economic brunt of the restrictions,” he said. “Entrepreneurs invest their sweat equity, and sometimes their life savings, into their small businesses as they work to achieve their American dream. It is difficult to watch those businesses falter after such a strong national economic surge.”