Metro East Sun

Republican House candidate Dwight Kay sees the imminent danger in the way Illinois lawmakers treat the state's business community.

“Quite frankly, we’re playing with fire,” Kay, challenging incumbent Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) in Illinois’ 112th District, told the Metro East Sun. “For years, we’ve had the well-earned reputation of being difficult for businesses to deal with whether they’re large or small. Politicians don’t seem to get that if we make it hard for them we make it difficult on everybody.”

A recent Thumbtack Small Business Friendly Survey rates Illinois as the least accommodating state in the country for small business owners, tagging the state with a failing grade for regulations and its level of friendliness, the Illinois Policy Institute states.

Rep. Katie Stuart

The online services company survey of local entrepreneurs and small business owners also tarred the state’s government websites with subpar marks in such categories as training and network programs, and for assistance in starting a new business.

“Here in the 112, family-owned businesses are considering shutting down due to all the taxes and regulations, Kay said. “Around here, it’s kind of open season on businesses and every owner is concerned about the lack of legal reforms put forth by lawmakers.”

Kay blames House Speaker Mike Madigan and legislative Democrats who support him for the state’s issues, he said.

“In Illinois, lawyers are the biggest contributors to Democratic candidates,” he said. “If you follow all the money, it leads directly back to Chicago and Madigan. Add to that, you have all these unions making demands and pushing their special interest, and you can see how this is all about money.”

Illinois’ 112th District includes Bethalto, Caseyville, Fairmont City, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Pontoon Beach, Roxana, Shiloh and Swansea.