SE Illinois News

For the past several decades, Illinois politicians have demanded more and more from residents and small businesses. As indicated by the recent census, those demands have led to taxpayers and working families fleeing our state.

Anecdotally, I can speak to dozens of friends and colleagues who have left Illinois for more tax-friendly states. But it isn’t just about the taxes either, because as a small business owner I can tell you that burdensome regulations and bad policies make doing business in Illinois more and more difficult.

When Springfield passed legislation to raise energy prices, I know many colleagues who began looking at relocation options. We may love our state, but our political leaders are placing a premium on the cost of doing business in Illinois.

Instead of politicians demanding more from us, we should be demanding more from our elected officials. We must no longer accept empty rhetoric and the counterproductive demonization of Illinois employers.

High taxes and costly regulations on businesses aren’t “taken on the chin” by business owners. The increased costs are borne by all of us. That’s why Illinois’ cost of living is so much higher than in our neighboring states.

We all pay more because politicians demand more from working families and small businesses. Our elected officials must understand that they cannot support workers by punishing employers. In fact, they will support workers by fostering a stronger business climate in Illinois.

It’s time for our leaders to provide innovative solutions that don’t require taking more money from Illinois pocketbooks.

If we truly want to turn our state around, the answer is actually very simple. Instead of politicians demanding more from us, we must demand more from our elected officials.

Andrew Kanik is the owner of Kanik Oil.