Illinois discretionary spending increased more than $16 billion – or 43 percent – since Gov. JB Pritzker took office nearly seven years ago. “When it comes to overall taxes and the burden on taxpayers, much more has happened over the past six years,” said Ravi Mishra, of the Illinois Policy Institute. “Having one party basically in control over your state gives a bit too much power to do whatever they want.”

National Federation of Independent Business Illinois State Director Noah Finley said there is uncertainty for small businesses in Illinois, after Gov. JB Pritzker’s office projected future budget deficits. “There’s just continual talk of tax increases. We’re continuing to see new proposals introduced in the General Assembly to drive increased red tape and bureaucratic requirements for many of these small businesses,” he said.

From Rockford to Carbondale, towns and cities across Illinois are creating opportunities, increasing liberty and decreasing the burden of taxes.

“And while shoppers may not realize it, these local storefronts aren’t just charming — they’re doing the heavy lifting in Illinois’ economy. … Businesses with fewer than 50 employees have been the only firms to add jobs on net since the onset of the pandemic, accounting for the creation of more than 170,000 positions, according to an Illinois Policy Institute analysis of Census Bureau data.”