Don't Lead or Follow, Just Get Out of the Way

Endless partisan bickering and lack of clarity over future policies are no good for business.

Image: iStockphoto

Stop it—you’re killing us.

That’s the message small-business owners have for Washington policymakers, based on a recent Harris Interactive poll conducted for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Around 85 percent of small-business owners think the economy is on the wrong track. They’re not looking for more help from Washington, however. In fact, 82 percent said they want Washington to “get out of the way,” compared with 10 percent who’d appreciate a “helping hand.” They’re looking for more certainty from Washington—on regulations, debt reduction, and tax policy—not new economic stimulus programs.

Regulation and the federal debt are equally threatening to their business, according to small-business owners. Nearly 60 percent are more worried about what regulations await in the future than regulations already imposed on business.

Nearly 80 percent said Washington is making it harder for their businesses to hire new employees. Health care reform was cited by 74 percent as a disincentive to hire.

“The policies coming out of Washington are only exacerbating the economic uncertainty that small businesses continue to cite as their greatest challenge,” said Tom Donohue, president and CEO of the Chamber.