Metro East Sun

Republican state House candidate Amy Elik laments Illinois has become its own worst enemy with all the out-of-control tax policy coming from Springfield.

“Businesses carefully plan their investments and expansions and certainly consider the business climate for any potential location,” Elik, who is now running against incumbent state Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) in the 111th District, told the Metro East Sun. “Illinois has missed many opportunities to bring good-paying jobs to our state because of its tax and other unfavorable policies that discourage investment here.”

As an example, Elik points to the way corporate taxes are again on the rise in Illinois at the same time neighboring Indiana is in the process of almost cutting its rates by half. And things could get even more costly in Illinois if Gov. J.B. Pritzker gets his way with his progressive tax proposal.  

Small businesses would be hit even harder, with tax rates on some operations jumping by as much as 47% at a time when they are already reeling from the impact of the still-lingering COVID-19 pandemic.

“The flight of companies and workers out of Illinois will continue as other Midwestern states become more competitive and focus on growth and Illinois raises corporate and personal taxes,” Elik added.

In addition, Illinois Policy Institute reports enacting a progressive tax would drop Illinois from 36th to 48th in the country for its business tax climate.

Elik said she’s seen the impact all the runaway taxes have up and close and personal.

“As a CPA, I have sat across the table numerous times from small business clients who are very frustrated with their income and property tax bills and fee payments, which seem to increase every year,” she said. “They see a state which asks for more and more, but never controls its spending. Many leave and close up shop in search of better states to do business in. The pandemic has only magnified the issues that have existed for years.”