Legislature should reconsider additional cost mandates

Over the past several months, many articles have noted the impact of higher property taxes on south suburban communities. These articles paint a grim but accurate picture of the economic strain on families and small businesses in Chicago’s south suburbs. High property taxes set in motion a vicious cycle that impacts residents and businesses, pushing residents to move and many businesses to the brink of closure.

The rising cost of health care, especially prescription drugs, is also making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to stay afloat. This is why I was deeply concerned to learn that earlier this year Illinois legislators considered House Bill 4548, a measure that would add a $10.49 fee to many prescriptions filled at the pharmacy.

As a south suburban small business owner for more than 25 years, I know firsthand most businesses operate under very tight margins. The proposed $10.49 dispensing fee on prescriptions — a cost which would be borne by employers and families they cover — would increase the financial strain on businesses, making it harder to offer quality and affordable health care.

The bill would also limit the choices employers have in choosing affordable prescription drug benefit options, like offering more affordable co-pays at certain lower-cost pharmacies.

Lawmakers should focus on reducing health care costs and protecting small businesses. That includes protecting pharmacy benefits, the tool many businesses use to hold down the cost of providing health care coverage as well as the cost our employees pay for prescription drugs.

By making prescription drugs more expensive, additional fees will hurt the very communities our legislators say they want to support—places like Harvey, Markham, Hazel Crest, and Dixmoor. Small businesses are the backbone of cities and towns of all sizes across Illinois, and we cannot afford to carry this additional burden.

Maureen Mader owner, Dunning’s Gourmet Market & Deli Flossmoor

High school students should consider internships

It’s college admission season, and as a college student just one year removed from the process, I have one piece of advice for juniors and seniors at my alma mater, Thornton High School in Harvey: consider a high school internship.

Internships aren’t top of mind for high school students, but they should be. I participated in Bank of America’s Student Leaders program last summer and it was integral to building my confidence, expanding my worldview, and saving some money before college.

The eight-week paid internship connects civic-minded students with opportunities in the nonprofit sector. I spent the summer working Metropolitan Family Services, the oldest nonprofit in Illinois, gaining valuable workforce and leadership skills that I’m already applying on campus.

I traveled to D.C., met with state and local policymakers, got hands-on financial education coaching and learned about ways I can help give voice to those who aren’t always heard.

Working side by side with Chicago’s business and nonprofit leaders gave me the confidence I needed to seek out challenges and achieve my dreams. To that end, I’ll be returning to Metropolitan Family Services this winter for additional workforce experience.

I urge other students to explore a high school internship, including the Bank of America Student Leaders program. Applications are open through mid-January for an experience that will help you build the future you were meant to have.

Margaret Gonzalez Harvey

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