Letter: State can do more to support small businesses

As a small business owner in Illinois, I can attest that taking the leap into self-employment has become increasingly difficult due to high taxes and stacked costs imposed by the state. Every additional expense makes it increasingly likely they'll fail to keep their doors open and provide quality services to our communities.

This should alarm our lawmakers in Springfield.

Small businesses are the engine of Illinois' economy. State government needs to take action to help small businesses like ours thrive rather than burden us with more expenses.

We understand there are necessary costs associated with running a business, such as rent, utilities and employee salaries. Everyone has expenses. But when you add on top of those costs the high taxes and fees imposed by the state, it becomes nearly impossible for small businesses to stay afloat.

By reducing the tax burden, lawmakers can create an environment where entrepreneurs can start new companies without worrying about being overburdened by costs.

At our gym, we take pride in providing quality services at affordable prices. We want to continue promoting sustainable health in our community for years to come. However, we need relief from these stacked costs that make it difficult for us and other small employers to continue to operate.

The time is now for state lawmakers to take action and support small businesses in Illinois. They are vital not only for our communities but also for the overall health of our economy. Let's work together towards creating an environment where small businesses can thrive once again.

Yianni Manousaridis

Lake Zurich