We read with sadness that Michael Stonebreaker, owner of Vermilion Rentals for 38 years, is closing his business.
The Commercial-News’ story in Monday’s newspaper told the story similar to so many stories being told all across Illinois, and all across so many other states as well.
The current economic downturn has obviously hurt almost all businesses, and the equipment rental business is obviously impacted by a slowdown in building and construction.
But Mr. Stonebraker pointed out a reason for his dilemma that is more a cause of our current problems that a result of them:
He said workers’ compensation and liability insurance costs have skyrocketed to the point the state will have difficulty attracting new businesses for years to come.
At one point, an Illinois law held Stonebraker responsible for someone falling off a ladder his business had rented.
“I don’t see how the state can get anything to come here,” Stonebraker said.
Illinois, like so many other states led by politicians who have more faith in government than in the people they supposedly represent, needs to change its business climate and make this a more attractive place to live and to do business.
But our governor has other plans. He wants to slam us with a huge tax increase.
Some people never learn.
