A Democratic candidate in the 13th Illinois Congressional District says he wants to do more for small businesses.
Erik Jones said small businesses are feeling the pressure in central Illinois.
"Small businesses are incredibly important to our local economies. And, what we’ve seen in the last few years is that small businesses have been closing down and new businesses have not taken their place," Jones said.
Jones said student debt and lack of access to health insurance are pushing small businesses out. Jones said that, if he is elected, he will push for legislation that allows students to get through school without debt and allow anyone to buy into Medicare so they can start a business without losing their health insurance. He also would tighten anti-trust laws.
Four candidates -- Jones, Jonathan Ebel, David Gill, and Betsy Londrigan -- are running for the Democrat nomination to face incumbent Republican Rodney Davis.