Illinois state Rep. Chris Miller knows firsthand how tough it is when the job market isn’t thriving. As a small business owner himself, he understands the struggles many face. According to him, the state’s economic policies under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Governor Pritzker have led to rising inflation, making everyday life harder for working-class residents.
“I’ve seen the impact of these policies on small businesses,” Miller shared. “The inflation is a real hardship, and it’s making things unaffordable for Illinoisans. It’s all because of bad public policy.”
Recent data from the state paints a concerning picture. In 2024, over 14,700 Illinoisans lost their jobs due to mass layoffs, with many businesses closing their doors. In December alone, another 670 layoffs were reported, with the majority caused by business closures.
Illinois has also seen a spike in its unemployment rate, reaching 5.3% in November. On top of that, the state has some of the highest property and corporate income taxes in the country. Miller believes residents have had enough of these challenges.
“I think the folks in charge need to understand some basic economic principles,” Miller said. “Businesses need to make a profit to survive. If you keep raising taxes and adding more regulations, it gets harder for them to stay afloat. We’ve seen businesses leave Illinois because of it. In a competitive environment, that’s a big problem.”
Miller insists that it’s time for a change in Illinois’ policies.
“If you have any common sense, it’s clear that these policies are hurting businesses and hardworking families,” he said. “But so far, the governor and the legislature don’t seem ready to take responsibility for it.”
For Miller, the solution is simple: change the leadership.
“Nothing will improve until the Democrats are out of power,” he argued. “They’re fully responsible for the mess we’re in. With their super-majority, they control everything, and their policies have led to the economic struggles we’re seeing in Illinois.”
Under the WARN Act, businesses with 75 or more full-time employees are required to file reports on mass layoffs. This law aims to keep the public informed about job losses and business closures in the state.
