Lake County Gazette

State Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) recently encouraged his colleagues to spend the time they have remaining in the ongoing legislative session focusing on real economic and business reforms.

“I have heard over and over in my three years as state representative that we have growing deserts here in Illinois," McLaughlin said. "Health care deserts, housing deserts, food deserts, hospital deserts, and on and on. What is causing these deserts – climate change? Could it be that poor policies have created a disincentive for small businesses and services?"

In pushing for more reforms across the board in Springfield, McLaughlin added, “For over 40 years the General Assembly in Illinois has been run by Democrats with only a brief two-year period of a Republican majority. The policies enacted during the Madigan years are causing significant problems for residents across our state."

McLaughlin argues much of the blame for the state's struggles lies with Democrats, though he doesn't expect to see them accept responsibility, adding, "To acknowledge these failed progressive policies as the main reason for all the 'deserts' would require a serious look in the mirror."

McLaughlin points to policies like workmen’s compensation, wage mandates and what he deems as regressive tax policies as being among the biggest policy mistakes he believes Democrats have made in leaving the state in its current position.