Chambana Sun

Dan Caulkins wouldn’t mind seeing Illinois follow the lead of its neighboring states for the sake of preservation.

“We have perfect examples from neighboring states of what we need to be doing to be the state we need to be and once were,” Caulkins told the Chambana Sun. “The bottom line is these states around us are flourishing, while Illinois continues to suffer. We’d be wise to do more of what they’ve been doing.”

Caulkins, running against Democrat Jennifer McMillin in the 101st House District, said that starts with adopting a more pro-business climate.

Jennifer McMillin

Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) reports a recent survey conducted by online service company Thumbtack found Illinois to be the least accommodating state in the country for small business owners, earning a failing grade for its overall level of friendliness.

Hailed as “the largest continuous study of small business perceptions,” the Small Business Friendliness survey is now in its sixth year, and Illinois' current marks are its lowest to date.

“If I’m elected, one of the first conversations I want to have in the chamber is why there is such opposition to common sense regulations that would allow us to compete with our neighbors and beyond,” Caulkins said. “Hopefully this new crop of legislators headed to Springfield will be looking to make a difference by being committed to cutting all the red tape associated with starting and maintaining a business here in Illinois.”

Illinois also earned an F for regulations and the state’s small business owners gave local government a failing grade for its websites. In the areas of training and networking, the state earned a D.

Two state income tax hikes since 2011 have also gone a long way in hindering the state’s progress, IPI states.  

Caulkins still holds out hope despite how bad things have become, he said.

“I know in the last three, four years, there has been an effort by Gov. (Bruce) Rauner to cut some of the red tape in being a business owner and a push to make Illinois a friendlier place to do business,” he said.

The 101st House District spans parts of Champaign, DeWitt, Macon, McLean and Piatt counties.