Small businesses take bleak view of economy, government

January 15, 2013

Atlanta Journal Constitution

David Markiewicz

More than one-half of U.S. small businesses have not hired in the last year, and two-thirds plan to keep the same number of employees in 2013, according to a survey from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Overall, the small business climate is bleak, the study indicates.

– 82 percent think the economy is on the wrong track.

– 54 percent expect the climate for small businesses to deteriorate in the next two years.

– 88 percent say they are looking for more certainty, not more assistance from Washington.

Among small businesses, 86 percent say regulations, rules and taxes will harm their business, and health care regulations are their prime concern in addition to labor rules and environmental laws.

Three in four small businesses expect the Affordable Health Care Act will increase their costs. Only 5 percent expect the law to make health care more affordable. Also, 71 percent said the act will end up making it harder for them to hire more workers.

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