Craig Wilcox is at a loss to understand why state lawmakers don’t make more of a collective effort to aid small business owners across the state given how crucial they are to the overall success of the economy.
“Small business generates employment options for more than half of America and creates the majority of new jobs,” Wilcox told the Lake County Gazette. “If we want Illinois to rebound, we need legislation that is friendly to small business, recognizing that not all regulation or legislation need apply across the board.”
With the first week of May marking national Small Business Appreciation Week, Wilcox, a retired Air Force colonel and member of the McHenry County board running to replace retiring state Sen. Pam Althoff (R-McHenry) in District 32, felt the need to speak out on behalf of what he contends should be one of the state’s most valued treasures.
“Small local business is part of the core fabric of communities, and we need to rejuvenate investment by reducing tax and regulation burdens,” he said. “Illinois income tax structure, property tax burdens and over-regulation place a significant hurdle in front of all small business owners. Illinois' national ranking is abysmal for business friendliness.”
Wilcox has made fighting rising property tax rates and the mass outmigration it often leads to for the state unwavering staples of his campaign. He added all the high taxes and issues like high worker’s compensation make it even harder for small businesses to survive and prosper.
“Local small business owners are unlikely to develop and lobby for new regulations or legislation due to their size, so politicians need to be cognizant of potential impacts to small business,” he said.
The 32nd District covers all of McHenry County except for Grafton and Algonquin townships, and the northwestern part of Lake County.
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