Letter: Small business needs legislative support

In a perfect world, customers decide whether a business thrives or dies. But we all know this world isn't perfect.

Regulatory burdens coupled with out-of-control lawsuit abuse are driving up the cost of business across Illinois. Our lawmakers in Springfield are positioned to alleviate unnecessary market stressors, but they need to stop talking about it and take action.

Over the last few years, elected officials enacted laws that have added ever-increasing burdens on small businesses. Whether it's expanding workers' compensation or health care benefits, these reforms inflated the price of labor and made it difficult to remain competitive with larger corporations that have the resources to absorb increased operating costs in the short term.

Additionally, red tape has made it difficult for small businesses to stay compliant, with many becoming the target of trivial lawsuits owing to their failure to comprehend Illinois' overly complex regulatory system.

Unfortunately, there is no shortage of opportunists in this world. Thanks to our failed justice system, they've found ways to leverage litigation as a form of legal extortion.

Once again, big business has the resources to dedicate whole departments to compliance, while small business operators are spread even thinner.

When will small businesses see the support from lawmakers necessary to alleviate burdensome costs and stay competitive?

Portions of the legal community and regulators seem to find reward in every new employee "right" or "privilege" each legislative session, and the corporate machines in Chicago always find their way to a subsidy. But for those trying to succeed on the quality of our product and service, the support is nonexistent.

If lawmakers in Springfield want to help us build and grow our small businesses, they can roll back the more egregious costs they've placed on us and give us a fighting chance in this imperfect world. 

Bob Goray

Cary