State policies crippling small businesses

Running a business has never been easy, but a mix of inflation and poor policy decisions has left the chances of success lower than at any point in my lifetime. The deteriorating business climate in our state is hurting our communities, local businesses and the livelihoods of our fellow citizens.

Put simply, our small businesses are suffering and that's bad news for everyone.

Small businesses represent the heart of our communities and way of life in Illinois. These small enterprises are increasingly buckling under the highest overall tax burden in the country, burdensome regulations and a skyrocketing cost of living. These challenges are not mere abstract problems; they translate into daily struggles for the entrepreneur striving to make ends meet and the families dependent on the success of a small business.

We must actively work to reverse these trends. This could include implementing tax breaks for small businesses, reversing costly and burdensome regulations and reducing our cost of living by putting the reins on out-of-control government spending.

The success of Main Street is vital to the vibrancy and prosperity of our communities and our state's economy. Now, more than ever, our legislators must hear the pleas of the business community, both large and small. Illinois' future as a thriving hub for businesses depends on making timely and thoughtful policy changes.

Tosi Ufodike

Hawthorn Woods