South West Illinois News

Operating a small business in Illinois is getting harder every day. I've run my chiropractic business for nearly two decades, and while it's never been easy, I can honestly say the challenges have never been this extreme.

And I'm not just referring to COVID.

The people in Springfield have spent the last two years recklessly imposing excessive burdens on anyone who dares provide a good or service to their community. Frankly, it's a miracle that we have any businesses left on Main Street.

Dr. Kevin Schmidt | Provided

This past year alone, we've felt the continued pressure of COVID overregulation, tax increases, and burdensome bureaucracy. With bottom lines getting smaller, it's hard to see any way of sustaining operations without the risk outweighing the reward.

Navigating this regulatory minefield has caused a higher likelihood of expensive lawsuits. With the addition of Governor Pritzker's Prejudgment Interest Act last summer, the cost of an innocent mistake has increased to record levels. Sadly, we can't look to the courts for protection, with a recent report calling our state's justice system a “judicial hellhole”.

It appears even frivolous lawsuits take greater priority over the rights of small business owners.

What Illinois needs are people in Springfield who will help Main Street by removing costly restrictions, unsustainable taxes, and a legal system that punishes minor infractions.

It's a bit cliche to say our state could be left behind should that status quo remain, but the numbers don't lie. People are leaving, and the time to correct the course is now. I don't believe the people who created this mess can lead us out of it. We need new voices in Springfield, ones from people who actually know and care about the needs of the people they serve.

However, the election is still months away, and the time for action is now. At the very least, lawmakers should use the current legislative session to begin the process of repealing the laws that have been disastrous in keeping communities healthy and strong. It’s the least they could do.

Kevin Schmidt is the owner of Schmidt Chiropractic.