Metro East Sun

Amy Elik (R-Alton) sees a bitter irony in so many people coming to appreciate the value of small businesses in Illinois now that the coronavirus crisis has disrupted so much of what's often taken for granted. 

“As a CPA and auditor for over 24 years, I have seen firsthand the struggles of small business owners, especially those in the state of Illinois,” Elik told the Macon Reporter. “Local businesses already face high taxes, burdensome regulation and high insurance costs. Those factors make recovery from this economic disaster very difficult for small business owners. I am very concerned that many of our small businesses may not be able to reopen or will move to other states after this crisis passes.”

There’s seems little denying that over the years the state has become its own worst enemy. At the time that the virus hit, the state had just over $1 million in its so-called rainy day fund, while costs stemming from the pandemic already top $8 billion, or about 20% of the state budget.

Making matters worse, argues Elik, who is now running against incumbent state Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) in the 111th District, is the way Gov. J.B. Pritzker continues to push his progressive tax proposal.

“The graduated income tax amendment should be removed from the November ballot,” she said. “It was bad policy before the pandemic and its results will be even more devastating now. This tax will directly hurt middle-class families that are trying to rebuild their lives once the economy reopens. The state of Illinois must do everything in its power to help business owners focus on recovery, not prepare for yet another tax hike.”

Elik wonders how long the state can survive without Springfield making drastic changes.

“Illinois can recover if the leaders change their priorities and focus on controlling spending, reforming the pension system and stop increasing taxes,” she said. “The Legislature must enact a disciplined spending plan that funds essential services without increasing taxes on Illinois families.”