(The Center Square) – With businesses in Illinois now suffering on multiple levels, state Rep. Brad Halbrook argues it’s clear the state has become its own worst enemy when it comes to charting a clearer pathway.

U.S. Census Bureau statistics show only 5.6% of business applications across the state ultimately turned into establishments open for business within the first year, equating to the third-lowest conversion rate in the Midwest and falling well below the national average of 6.1%.

The data comes despite the state ranking near the top across the region for approval to operate applications submitted.

“It's extremely difficult to start and grow a new business in Illinois because everything that the Democrat majority does leads to higher costs, more regulation and more restrictio

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