Lake Barrington, IL — In recognition of Small Business Week, State Representative Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) issued the following statement addressing what he describes as Illinois’ ongoing climate crisis: the anti-business climate in Illinois.
“This being Small Business Week, it’s worth asking an important question: Who is standing up for the businesses and working families who keep our economy moving?
This past Sunday marked the end of an era, with Spirit Airlines ceasing operations after 30 years. Decisions made at the federal level to block its proposed merger have real consequences, and working families will feel them. Reduced competition in the airline industry often leads to higher costs and fewer options for consumers.
For Illinois residents and small business owners, that can mean airfare increases of 20 to 40 percent—making it harder to travel for work, attend conferences, or simply afford family trips that were once within reach.
This is part of a broader pattern of government intervention. Chalk this up to more ‘Politicized Expertitis’—that condition where progressive politicians and their egos think they know better than you do, better than the business markets.
Congratulations—thousands of Illinois jobs down the toilet.
These policies can lead to unintended consequences: less competition, higher costs, and fewer choices for consumers.
We’ve seen similar trends in other sectors. Over the past two decades, the cost of healthcare and higher education has risen significantly faster than inflation, raising serious questions about the long-term impact of policy decisions on affordability.
The result is real and personal. It affects the single parent trying to send their child to a competition, the small business owner needing to travel for growth opportunities, and families already stretched thin by rising costs.
Illinois should be focused on fostering a pro-growth environment—one that supports small businesses, encourages competition, and prioritizes affordability for working families.
As we recognize Small Business Week, let’s recommit to policies that empower—not hinder—the people and businesses that drive our economy.”
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vi3h7LX8vw
###
For more information, contact Rep. Martin McLaughlin’s office at 224-634-8300 or by email at [email protected].
State Representative Martin McLaughlin serves the residents of the 52nd District which includes the following Northwest Suburban communities in Cook, Lake, and McHenry counties: Algonquin, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Cary, Deer Park, Fox River Grove, Grayslake, Hawthorn Woods, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Island Lake, Lake Barrington, Lake In The Hills, Lake Zurich, Lakemoor, Libertyville, Long Grove, McHenry, Mundelein, North Barrington, Port Barrington, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, S Barrington, South Barrington, Tower Lakes, Volo, Wauconda.