Local government subverts tax compromise

Earlier this year, as lawmakers in Springfield got to work, I was alarmed to hear that a massive tax increase on small businesses like mine was being considered. In this case, some were discussing raising the video gaming tax rate by 20 percent when my small business already pays a higher rate than the majority of the out-of-state-owned corporate casinos.

It seemed as if it would have been another raw deal for the little guy.

However, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state lawmakers are to be commended for listening to Main Street business owners.

After we shared our concerns that such a big tax hike would stifle our ability to create jobs, reinvest in our businesses and contribute to the community, the governor and lawmakers abandoned their proposal and opted for a plan that included a much more modest tax increase, while simultaneously allowing us to add an extra video gaming machine that would allow us to increase our revenue.

That ability to increase the total number of machines from five to six meant that small businesses would be held harmless while the state would still be able to address its budget challenges. It's a win-win, common sense solution.

Unfortunately, our local government has now taken it upon themselves to take the local video gaming machine limit back down to five, which is less than the state now allows. This action from the local government means that the protection for small businesses passed in Springfield is now null and void.

I applaud the common-sense approach from Gov. Pritzker and Springfield lawmakers to support Main Street small businesses while addressing the state's challenges.

I can now only hope that my local elected officials reconsider their ruling, which will hurt small businesses like mine.

John Marcito

McHenry