Metro East Sun

Illinois state House candidate Amy Elik (R-Alton) is calling on Gov. J.B. Pritzker to do more to lessen the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the state's economy. 

“State government can help our economy rebuild faster by removing the progressive income tax and other tax and fee increases, relaxing some regulatory burdens and providing clear guidance on safety protocols,” Elik told the Metro East Sun. “Small businesses have been forced to close their doors or fundamentally change the way they do business. To support their ongoing expenses including rent and mortgage payments and supporting employees, small businesses need to be given the chance to implement safety protocols and reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Elik, running against incumbent state Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) in the 111th District, points to a new Coronavirus Small Business Survey by WalletHub that found more than one out of every three small businesses across the country say their business can only survive for a short period under current conditions as an example of how harmful stay-at-home orders have been to industry. In addition, 68 percent said they feel the government is not doing enough to help them.

“Small businesses owners have certainly felt the weight of the restrictions and are eager to reopen,” Elik said. “Their contributions to our economy and communities are critically important and many are willing to implement strict safety guidelines in order to have a chance to reopen as soon as possible.”

Elik says that holds true in Downstate Illinois as much as anywhere.

“Citizens in my district want to know the plan to reopen the economy,” she said. “This approach must be data-driven and follow President Trump's outline so new hot spots do not emerge. Increased communication from Gov. Pritzker to the public regarding his plans to reopen the economy is critical to helping businesses and consumers understand the next phase.”