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Economic uncertainty has hurt small businesses
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Contrary to the promises four years ago, America's economy remains a major problem. The president's vow to fundamentally change the way Washington works has resulted in corporate welfare for the politically connected and costly burdens on Pennsylvania's small businesses, particularly in the form of federal regulations.
Recently, President Barack Obama was on a bus tour through the Keystone State. We must ask if the president really comprehends what it takes to get the economy back on track. Small businesses are our country's job creators. Each year they produce about two-thirds of new jobs. But when Washington keeps changing the rules, asking them to jump through more hoops and threatening them with more taxes, they cannot plan for the future and it is not safe for them to hire more employees and grow. A Vistage International survey last week found most businesses decreased their hiring plans for the rest of the year, and economic uncertainty was the most cited reason why.
By giving small business owners a greater voice in the rule-making process and a safe business environment in which to invest, we can create the jobs we need for our communities to flourish. That is progress Pennsylvania can stand behind.
ROBERT HOWARD
Marshall
The writer is a small businesses consultant and was the Republican candidate in 2011 for Allegheny County controller.
First Published July 13, 2012 12:00 am
