In another attempt by Illinois to combat high unemployment rates, Governor Pat Quinn recently signed into law a new tax credit aimed at assisting small businesses.

The “Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit” allows eligible small businesses to receive up to $2,500 per full-time position they create.

This position must be created between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011, must pay no less than $13.75 per hour or an equivalent salary of $25,025.

“My colleagues and I have proposed a number of bills that will help stimulate the economy and tax credits are a proven incentive which spurs economic growth,” said State Representative,

Ill-Robert Pritchard. Pritchard (D-Hinckley) went on to say tax incentives were successful when used by the Ford Motor Company and the movie industry.

On the surface, these tax credits seem to provide relief to small businesses; however, some local residents feel they are not enough.

On Thursday, Aug. 26, DeKalb County residents came together in an open forum to discuss ways in which the local community could help solve the growing unemployment problem and the lack of a “livable” working wage. These social justice pioneers collectively agreed that most job growth stems directly from small business operations.

However, obtaining the capital needed to start up these businesses has become more and more inaccessible due problems with getting credit. Still, tax credits geared for small businesses are a start.

“I think what will get us out of this unemployment problem is the combination of new young people coming into the workforce, who are educated in new technologies. Also, the knowledgeable NIU faculty helps us a lot with researching strategies to boost our local small businesses,” said County Board member, Eileen Dubin, of the 8th district. Dubin is also the chair on the Committee of Economic Development.

The next forum meeting will take place from 1 to 3 p.m on Sept. 18 in the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, located at 158 N. Fourth St. In addition to community leaders, residents and union members, U.S. Representative Bill Foster will be attending the event.