Kane County Reporter

Former Republican Senate hopeful Ben Bierly claimed that Democratic leaders' regulations on small businesses have become worse during the COVID-19, making the state worse off. 

"The policies set by the governor and the Madigan Machine have had an especially pernicious effect on small businesses who employ 60% of the Illinois labor market," Bierly told the Kane County Reporter, referring to Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Rep. Michael Madigan (D-Chicago). "Simply put, our state government has treated the labor market like second-class citizens. They treat us like we are here to serve them instead of the government serving the people."

The December job's report showed that Illinois lost jobs, while other states made gains in employment.

Illinois, as has been the case in many states, the leisure and hospitality industry lost the most jobs. In November, the sector lost 27,000 jobs.

Bierly is concerned about what could be next if a significant change doesn't come to Springfield.

"If we want to see the job market recover, we need to reverse the damage done by our state government," he said. "Restrictions on businesses need to be lifted immediately and we need a constitutional amendment to fix the pension problem. Our state government shouldn't be talking about raising our income tax by 20%, but should be looking for ways to reduce spending to meet actual revenues both now and in the future."

Bierly argues Pritzker needs to act now, even if it means following the lead of others.

"Other states are adjusting well and fully recovering while we continue to suffer under Pritzker's draconian rules," he said. "Furthermore, he has personally left many small business owners in the horrible position of having to disobey his restrictions or to close their doors permanently. This is no way to run a state government."