SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Freedom Caucus is issuing the following statement on the Illinois unemployment rate continuing to lag the nation by nearly a point.
“Illinois continues to struggle to fully recover from the Governor’s lockdown of the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, according to a report from Alignable, a small business referral network, Illinois is second only to Colorado in the nation with the highest number of small businesses unable to pay rent during the month of August.
It was already a struggle for businesses to survive Illinois’ high taxes and poor business environment but the Governor’s terrible decision to lock down our economy has made it even more difficult for businesses to survive. What is needed is real, long-term structural reforms.
We need to reduce spending so that we can lower taxes – particularly the crushing property taxes that is hurting everyone including small business owners. We need to substantially reduce business regulations and make it easier for businesses to get the licensing and permits they need. In short, we need to make growing our economy and creating jobs our highest priority. Illinois should be leading not trailing the nation in job growth. It is time to abandon the failed policies of the past and move our state forward.”
The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Chris Miller (R-Oakland); Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich); Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) and Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur). The members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are members of the Illinois General Assembly who are advocating for limited government, lower taxes and accountability and integrity in government.