DeKalb Times

State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore), who is seeking re-election, recently highlighted the positive impact business deregulation has on economic growth. He also noted the harsh realities of Illinois businesses leaving for greener pastures in other states.

That's got to change, Keicher said.

“Job creation and economic opportunity (are two) of the most beneficial ways to help Illinois grow its way out of some of the problems it has created,” Keicher said in an Oct. 13 Facebook post.

Democrat Paul Stoddard is running against Jeff Keicher.

He pointed to an article on the Illinois Policy Institute website about Wynright Corp.’s decision to relocate from Illinois to Hobart, Indiana, where it will build a $26 million plant. Indiana officials, the article said, sweetened the deal with $6 million in incentives and a six-figure grant to train workers.

Keicher blamed the loss of the Wynright plant, as well as Coca-Cola Bottling Co.’s decision to move to Iowa, on an anti-business regulatory environment.

“Unfortunately, we see Illinois legislators continue to impose additional rules, fees and mandates on business, schools and other units of government,” he said. “Innovation and creativity can be unleashed if we help provide relief in the areas of property taxes and (the) workers' compensation system.”

Keicher’s opponent in the 70th House District is Democrat Paul Stoddard. The 70th District includes the cities of Belvidere, DeKalb, Elgin, Genoa and Sycamore.