By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph businesses have been hit, some hit hard, by the national supply chain problem.And, it doesn't seem to be going away any time soon."When I think back over the last six months, it seems to me that the issue is just becoming more pronounced and a bigger problem," St. Chamber of Commerce President Patt Lilly tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Lilly says the problem is affecting both businesses and consumers. He says businesses are finding it difficult to get the parts and supplies needed to manufacturer goods while consumers are stuck waiting for goods they bought, perhaps months ago.Lilly says the coronavirus pandemic shook the system and supplies began to run out. Also, transportation has been disrupted with more truck drivers needed. Lilly says the supply chain is struggling to recover."As a result of that and the pressure that has come to bear on needing product, needing parts, needing consumer goods, that has overtaxed the system," according to Lilly.Lilly says the supply chain is broken and it's not up to government to fix it."This is something, whether we like to admit it or not, that government really can't fix," Lilly says. "It's going to have to allow this to work through and be supportive of a business to the extent that they're able to and be patient."Lilly says there is always pressure on governmental officials to try to fix problems that really are beyond the ability of government to fix.Lilly says everything worked fine when everything was on schedule. Lilly expects supply chain issues to continue well into next year.