Metro East Sun

David Friess feels Illinois’ growing desperation more each day.

“The fact that over half of the bars and restaurants in Illinois cannot make their December rent is a reflection of the overall financial wellbeing of the state,” Friess told the SE Illinois News. “Prior to COVID, businesses were already struggling under the ever increasing tax burden imposed by the state legislature.”

Friess insists he’s not surprised by the findings of a new survey by small business referral network Alignable that highlights actually 56% of all the state’s bar and restaurant owners were unable to make full rent last month as the effects of the governor's ban on indoor dining took greater hold.

Nationally, that figure stands at 61%, up 19% from just a month earlier with the harshest part of the winter season still yet to come. In Illinois, the number of restaurants now unable to make full rent payments has already more than doubled since September.

“I don't believe the governor considers or appreciates the full impact his restrictions are having on small business owners,” added Friess, who knocked off democratic incumbent Nathan Reitz in the 116th District in November with nearly 65% of the vote. “Big box stores and businesses deemed essential are permitted to stay open and operate, but small businesses that can more easily employ safety procedures and protocols and operate in a manner that is safe for their customers and their employees are shut down. Masks and social distancing can be employed by every small business in Illinois.”

Even after the virus has subsided, Friess said he worries about what the future holds for the state.

“I am concerned that Illinois will continue to slip economically given the governor's actions,” he said. “Illinois has been depopulating for years, and the governor's actions have crippled countless small businesses.”