The quarterly U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey of 1,225 small businesses around our country finds that of the small businesses surveyed, 72% said the health care law will make it harder for them to hire. Specifically, they will scale back their workforce to avoid triggering the employer mandate and cut back on full-time workers.
Those surveyed employ fewer than 500 workers and have annual revenues less than $25 million.
The Harris Interactive poll found that nine out of ten small businesses are concerned about Congress’ ability to reach consensus on expiring tax rates and other business provisions coupled with sequestration cuts—the so-called “fiscal cliff.” 59% say failure to address the fiscal cliff will have a direct impact on their company’s growth.
Harris says 78% of small business owners are looking for government to “get out of the way,” noting that decisions in Washington impact their business. Additionally, 96% believe it is important to vote for a candidate that supports free enterprise.
THere is some good news.
However, since July 2011, the small business outlook about their local economy has dramatically improved, with nearly twice as many small business leaders saying the economy is headed in the right direction today compared to one year ago. In July 2011, 27% of small business owners reported their local economy was headed in the right direction, while 47% of small business owners report their local economy is headed in the right direction today.
