Nationwide Small Business Survey: Owners Most Concerned by Federal Spending, Health Costs and Taxes
ALBANY (November 13, 2014) – Two thirds of American small
business owners say they are highly concerned by rising health care costs and
nearly that many are deeply troubled by federal spending, according to a
nationwide survey released today by the National Federation of Independent
Business (NFIB).
“New York small business continues to suffer with the rest
of the nation,” said NFIB State Director Michael Durant. “Tax reform for small
business, as opposed to corporations, is truly lacking in our state and it’s
time Albany paid attention to the will of small business owners.”
The survey, conducted by Paragon Insights, a
Washington-based research firm, finds that 46 percent of small business owners
believe that Congress cares most about big corporations. Another 20
percent believe that coddling Wall Street is their top priority. Only
three percent of local owners believes that Congress cares most about them.
President Obama doesn’t fare much better in the
survey. More than three quarters (77%) of small business owners believe
that the President cares most about big corporations, labor unions and
environmental groups. More than two thirds (67%) believe he cares least
about them.
“This survey clearly demonstrates the need for change not
just in Albany, but throughout the country,” continued Durant. “If
the President is wondering how to begin to make the country more business
friendly, he may want to start with reforming the federal tax system.”
The survey also finds:
• 83 percent
of small business owners believe that Congress should be required to balance
the federal budget every year.
• 80 percent
believe the Environmental Protection Agency should be required to undertake a
comprehensive economic impact study of proposed regulations before they can be
adopted.
• 61 percent
want the Health Insurance Tax repealed, which under the Affordable Care Act
(ACA) is imposed on most small businesses that cover their employees.
• 52 percent
want to repeal the provision in the ACA defines a full-time work week as 30 hours
instead of the traditional 40 hour standard.
• 76 percent
of small business owners believe that President Obama’s executive orders have
harmed them.
