Small businesses have had to face many challenges in recent years, including new laws designed to protect workers in certain states.
For example, Illinois recently passed several laws to support workers, such as raising the minimum wage and mandatory paid leave. Small business owners overwhelmingly agree that these laws benefit workers, who deserve fair compensation. But in addition to other issues facing businesses, such as inflation, high corporate income taxes, and pandemic recovery, these laws can make it difficult to sustain profitable businesses.
Some small business owners in Illinois recently spoke to 25 News about these challenges. They generally understand the need for worker protection, but wish the state would consider the needs of small businesses more often when making laws.
Katie Kutsunis, owner of the Four Seasons women’s clothing store, told 25 News, “It’s no different when you have a toddler or a young child at home. He helps them a lot. He helps them learn to crawl and walk. The state should learn to help the little guys crawl and walk, and hopefully, they can become big businesses. “
Of course, creating different rules regarding employees in small businesses may make it difficult for these companies to attract and retain employees. However, states that want to pass this type of legislation can support small businesses in other ways to limit negative impacts.
For example, some states such as California have implemented grant programs to compensate businesses for the costs associated with providing paid family leave. There are many grant programs offered to small businesses in US states, but even many small business owners who have received financial support say that this is only a temporary solution.
Protecting workers and ensuring fair wages and working conditions are important and honorable goals. But small businesses also provide tons of value to their communities. Balancing these two important elements is not always easy. But states and local governments that can support and encourage small businesses without hurting workers, perhaps through tax incentives, ongoing grant programs, or business-friendly policies, are likely to succeed.
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