Many small businesses won't survive pandemic

On March 20, Gov. Pritzker ordered thousands of businesses to close and left thousands more, like mine, in a kind of limbo that might as well be a shutdown. Pritzker's order made it illegal for us and hundreds of thousands of employees in the state to earn a living. We went along with it on the premise that the governor knew what he was doing.

In the early days of this crisis, I supported Pritzker. I felt as if he was being thoughtful, pragmatic and doing a pretty good job. He talked about relying on scientists and experts - I liked that. I gave the social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home order a chance. My family started early, ordering online and pulling the kids out of school. I really thought it would make a difference, and I wanted to help those who are "most at risk" in any way I could. Nearly a month into the stay-at-home order, my faith has dissolved.

During Pritzker's daily 2:30 p.m. press conferences, there's always a lot of finger-pointing. But I don't hear strength, and I don't hear details of a well-thought-out plan to not only contain the spread of the virus but also to make sure the economy doesn't totally collapse along with it.

My painting business, Babes N Brushes, is losing $1,000 to $2,000 per day in revenue and carrying costs. This time of year, we are typically at the height of our busy season. Others like me, and their workers, are making a huge sacrifice and investment, as well. We are watching the economic portion of this experiment go downhill, even as numbers on new cases look to be peaking and declining.

For starters, the unemployment system, which I've paid into for my employees for years - and never filed a claim - is still not making promised payouts. If it had been up to me, I would've opted out and put that unemployment money in my own fund for emergencies like this one. But now that the governor has shut down the state and put us out of work, he won't give us what we paid for. I've had to pay out of my own pocket to try and help my employees so they don't miss a paycheck.

Here's an idea for the governor, free: How about you cut state employees' pay by 30% and put that money back into the unemployment fund to help bridge the gap in the measly unemployment insurance payment my employees "might" receive someday? Private employees are making huge sacrifices, while public employees are not sharing in the financial burden at all.

Here's something else to consider: Adjust your stay-at-home order with a plan that actually makes sense and works. Consult your scientists and experts. Set clear bench marks with plans to reopen the economy. Give proposed dates along with that. Consult with business and local leaders for ideas. Our state has a lot of bright minds. Use them.

Reduce the taxation, fee and regulatory burdens on our business and our citizens. Cut out the massive amount of waste, fraud and abuse that plagues our state financially. The economy in Illinois will recover more quickly if you let it.

From my point of view, the governor got through his first year blaming Rauner. He's trying to get through Year Two by blaming D.C.

And all the while, the Illinoisans he represents are panicked and confused, wondering when the state will provide them with the basic benefits Pritzker promised. I don't care whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, especially at a time like this. I just care whether our leaders are doing what's right by our people. Please, Governor, remember those of us who you're asking to sacrifice everything in order to ensure our fellow Illinoisans make it through this pandemic. Don't take us for granted. Because we might not all make it through this thing unscathed.

• Matt Bender, of Yorkville, is owner of the painting business Babes N Brushes, based in Naperville.