Supporting Independent Pharmacies and Opposing Tax Increases: Advocating for Local Businesses and Community Health (Chicago, IL) — In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the role of small, independent pharmacies has never been more crucial. These local businesses not only provide personalized, compassionate care to their patients, but they also contribute significantly to the health and well-being of their communities.
Independent pharmacies are the backbone of local healthcare, offering a level of customer service and expertise that is often unmatched. Pharmacists at small, independent locations take the time to build meaningful relationships with their patients, offering personalized medication management, expert advice, and a sense of trust that can be hard to find in larger, corporate settings.
“These independent pharmacies are not just businesses; they are community hubs,” said Dr. Cornel Darden Jr., Chairman of the Greater Chicagoland Black Chamber of Commerce. “They are trusted partners in healthcare, offering essential services that go far beyond simply filling prescriptions. These pharmacists know their patients by name, understand their unique health needs, and are dedicated to improving their overall well-being.”
These pharmacies play an essential role in ensuring access to medications, working closely with patients to manage complex health needs and offering invaluable services such as immunizations, health screenings, and preventative care. Their commitment to community health helps improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs over time.
Like many other small and medium sized businesses in Illinois, independent pharmacies are facing significant challenges in today’s competitive environment, including rising operating costs and increasing competitive market pressure. Their size and scale puts them at a disadvantage in the current business environment in Illinois. Despite these difficulties, independent pharmacies remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering high quality, accessible care for their communities.
“We cannot let these small businesses, which provide vital services to millions of people, be overlooked,” Dr. Darden added. “As healthcare coverage continues to be expanded, it is critical that we place parameters in place that create checks and balances to control runaway costs and that support our local pharmacists, who are on the front lines of care. We need policies that ensure they can continue to thrive and serve their communities.”
In addition to advocating for policies that support independent pharmacies, we are also deeply concerned about the recent nonbinding referendum, supported by former Governor Pat Quinn, that appeared on the ballot, which asked residents whether they are in favor of raising income taxes on individuals earning more than $1 million annually to offset rising property taxes. While we understand the need for funding solutions, we believe that imposing additional tax burdens on high-income earners may have unintended consequences, including negative impacts on small businesses and local entrepreneurs who are already navigating a challenging economic landscape.
“Raising taxes on high-income earners may seem like an easy solution, but it can have far-reaching consequences,” said Dr. Darden. “It could put a strain on small business owners and local job creators who are already facing rising costs and economic uncertainty. Instead, we need policies that stimulate economic growth, create opportunities, and reduce unnecessary burdens on the small businesses that are the lifeblood of our communities.”
Supporting independent pharmacies means supporting the health of our communities. By ensuring that these local businesses can continue to thrive, we are ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and that our communities remain vibrant and healthy.
Supporting Independent Pharmacies and Opposing Tax Increases: Advocating for Local Businesses and Community Health
