Lake County Gazette

Ken Idstein sees regulations, topped by out-of-control workmen’s compensation guidelines, as the most crippling handicapped placed on businesses across the state.

“Illinois needs to develop a more business-friendly culture,” Idstein told the Lake County Gazette. “Leadership needs to be limited and needs to keep these types of issues in focus.”

Idstein points to the recent findings of Chief Executive’s 2018 “Best and Worst States for Business” report ranking Illinois No. 48 among 50 states, ahead of only California and New York, as a perfect example of what the consequences could be. The ranking marked the fourth straight year the state has fared so poorly.

Grayslake Republican Ken Idstein, running for the 62nd District Illinois State House

At the other end of the spectrum, Texas ranked at the top, followed by Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. Closer to home, Indiana ranked No. 5 and Michigan, up nine spots over last year, ranked No. 27.

Idstein, the Grayslake Republican running against Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) in the 62nd District, is already on record in asserting no stone should be left unturned in the state’s ongoing effort to dig itself back from financial ruin.

“Illinois needs to consider some hard decisions to right the ship,” he said. “All options need to be discussed.”

Idstein has already vowed to be a staunch advocate of small business owners once he arrives in Springfield.

“When I’m elected, I will help small businesses grow in Illinois by lowering the income tax and property tax burdens, bringing worker's compensation costs back in line with our neighboring states, and reducing unnecessary and onerous regulations,” he previously told the Gazette. “Too often, we see politicians picking winners and losers and passing policies that hurt mom and pop stores, while enriching and protecting the powerful unions and trial lawyers.”

Idstein said part of his plan includes reducing property taxes on small businesses, ensuring a hassle-free process for starting a new business and empowering family-owned ventures.

The 62nd District includes parts of Grayslake, the Round Lake communities, Hainesville, Wauconda and Gurnee.