Dold, Murphy talk jobs, taxes topics at town hall

Keeping jobs in Illinois, health care reform and tax hikes were the main topics Saturday at U.S. Rep. Robert Dold's first town-hall meeting.

State Sen. Matt Murphy, a Palatine Republican, joined the newly elected 10th District congressman at the Palatine Township Center, where about 100 people came to hear from the lawmakers.

Dold, a Republican from Kenilworth, said the “No. 1 thing people are talking about is jobs and the economy” and that government needs to create an environment that attracts businesses to Illinois.

He said he recently spoke with the governor of Indiana, who told him about a company looking to relocate to the Midwest. Dold said the company was told it would take three months to get licensing to operate in Illinois, but was greeted with a marching band in Indiana where it was able to gain its license in three days.

And Murphy said the Illinois legislature's recent decision to increase the individual and corporate income tax is a big mistake.

“We've taken a step in the wrong direction with the tax hike,” he said, adding that he filed the first bill to repeal it.

Another issue Dold said he feels strongly about is health care reform. A part owner in his family's pest control business, Dold told the crowd that he will stand up for the needs of local companies.

He recently visited Learning Resources in Vernon Hills to find out the impact of a part of the new health care law that requires small businesses to file a lot more paperwork. Dold said he was told it would cost the education company $250,000.

Dold said he signed legislation aimed at eliminating the provision.

Participants at the town hall session said they found it helpful, but some were skeptical if their comments would make a difference.

“I thought it was informative; a good first step,” said Pat McDaniel of Inverness. “I'm just not sure these folks (Dold and Murphy) have a lot of control of what's going to happen.”

“I'm pleased that they held the meeting and listened to our concerns,” said Phil Urban of Palatine.