11/21/2008
NFIB.com is taking a look at several top small business issues the 111th Congress is expected to tackle.
After a long and grueling election season, members of the 111th Congress have their work cut out for them. NFIB will be working with all of the members—both new and incumbent—on finding solutions to the top small business problems.
Energy
As the economy remains unstable, the rising price of energy only makes it harder for small business owners to remain competitive. NFIB's latest Problems and Priorities survey revealed energy costs to be the second most critical problem faced by small business owners. And NFIB's Energy Consumption poll showed energy costs as one of the top three business expenses for 35 percent of small businesses.
In an effort to help provide relief for small business in the energy crisis, NFIB supports the following:
- Legislation to facilitate the production of oil, natural gas and coal
- Conservation and development of renewable and alternative energy sources
- Suspending the federal gas tax
- Reducing the federal diesel tax from 24.3 cents per gallon to 18.3 cents per gallon
- Offshore drilling
It's crucial that small business has access to affordable and reliable sources of energy in order to survive the economic downturn. NFIB will be working with the 111th Congress to find energy solutions that work for small business, not against it.
