Friends of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

March Jobs Report

In breaking news last week, the most recent jobs report showed that the economy generated just 88,000 new jobs in March, the smallest gain we’ve seen in 10 months.

While much of the attention in the media will be paid to the unemployment number dipping just slightly, from 7.7% to 7.6%, that doesn’t tell the whole story. In reality, the unemployment number dipped because more Americans are leaving the workforce -- 500,000 people have dropped out since February. The labor participation rate is now at 63.3%, a new 30-year low, the lowest since 1979.

All told, 90 million Americans have stopped looking for work and are out of the labor force. 

However striking these numbers are, the sentiment of America’s small businesses could have proved as a harbinger of today’s news. In our Q1 Small Business Outlook Survey released yesterday, 79% of small business respondents said they still believe that the American economy is off on the wrong track.

There’s a reason for that. As the Chamber’s Chief Economist Dr. Martin Regalia said:

“Though the general trends of the economy seem to be improving, a closer look shows full time employment dropping, and Washington needs to enact policies that will breed confidence and encourage small businesses to expand, instead of cutting back staff and employees’ hours.”

He’s right, and America’s small businesses know what they need to succeed.  Our survey showed broad small business support for policies that will promote economic growth through removing government barriers, controlling government spending, lowering taxes, tackling immigration reform, and increasing domestic energy production.

You can read the full survey results here.

Disappointing jobs reports have, unfortunately, become a regular part of our life for the last few years, but they don’t have to be our future. Washington must start listening to our small businesses to get American working again.

Grassroots Survey Results

We asked and you answered.

We recently opened a survey to our grassroots Friends to get your input on how we're doing and what we can do to serve your interestes better. Thanks to everyone who already participated. This survey is a great chance to make your voice heard, and will play a big role during the key debates over the national debt, balancing the budget, and taxes that will impact our country for years to come.

If you haven't participated, please click here to let your voice be heard. We would love to have your input before the survey closes.

Here are a few things we've learned so far:

• 96% believe that the Free Enterprise system has the best solutions to lead the economic recovery
• 85% oppose Obamacare
• 71% belive spending and economic uncertainty are the biggest challenges to overcome
• 92% of you said that Washington has a spending problem.

Spending is the Problem

We’ve heard political promises and lofty rhetoric from the talking heads telling us that the only way to grow the economy and create jobs is to increase government spending. They tell us that in order to cut the deficit and salvage our entitlement programs, we need to increase revenue through more of your tax dollars.

But as you can see in the chart, we are already at historic levels of government spending and tax revenue. And yet… it’s still not high enough for some.

These tax increases barely make a dent in our spending problem and are already slowing growth. CBO projects the economy will grow by just 1.4 percent this year? Likely, it won’t be long before Washington starts digging into middle-class pockets. Even the staunchest proponents of tax increases admit raising rates to the levels needed to cut the deficit would ruin job creation.

This can’t continue; the math simply doesn’t work.  Do you agree?

New Year, New Issues: What’s most important to you?

Thank you for your support in 2012 on a number of key economic issues and for helping making 2012 a year to remember as we celebrated our 100 year anniversary. 

As we look ahead to 2013, we looking forward to partnering with you on key legislative priorities that will strengthen our economy, create jobs, and ensure growth for generations to come.

What are your top issues in the coming year?  Leave a comment and let us know which of these are a priority for you and why.

• Tax and Spending Reform
• Energy 
• Immigration
• Labor
• Health Care
• Regulations

The 113th Congress will not be without challenges, but with you as an active member of our grassroots team we can be sure that American enterprise has a voice in advocating for a bright economic future.

Wishing you a very happy New Year. 

Fiscal Cliff is “Not a Game” to Small Businesses

Here are some interesting numbers from a Washington Post-Pew Research Center poll on the public’s attitudes toward the fiscal cliff, tax increases and automatic spending cuts to take effect starting January 1:

•64% think going over the fiscal cliff will have a major effect on the economy.

•60% think that effect will be negative.

•61% think it will negatively affect them personally.

Moving past past abstract poll numbers, let's hear from small business owners telling Washington that it would be devastating to go over the cliff [emphasis mine]:

Brian Scott, President & CEO, SCECON, U.S. Chamber small business member (Portsmouth, VA):

"The current malaise, brought on by an uncertain economic future has already caused our revenues to drop more than 30% compared to 2011. We can only project that both our government and corporate clients will continue to hold back on the projects that normally involve our services - until the fiscal cliff is behind us.  The last quarter of 2012 has brought on a freeze for hiring at our company and unless the first quarter of 2013 shows marked improvement, we will see additional constriction of our work force and, quite possibly, layoffs of personnel that have been with our firm for many years."

Tom Mercier, President & CEO, bopi, (Bloomington, IL):

"Margins are quite thin with the downturn in the economy, and we have to have profits to reinvest in the business.  If more goes to D.C. that means fewer dollars for profit sharing, employee raises or even new hiring (and with the new affordable health care act that will dampen that even more), plus health care costs will continue to eat up a greater share of the pie. As a subchapter S corporation it will definitely have a negative effect on the future growth of my business."

Phil Williams, President, Kenyon Appliances, U.S. Chamber small business member (Clinton, CT):

"Because Washington bureaucrats continue to play poker with our nation’s economy my business plans are on hold. I would have hired more people this month if the tax and budget issues had been dealt with properly. So now we wait to see what will happen. This is not a game to my employees this is their livelihood and they need answers now."

Sarah O'Neil-Manion, Principal, O’Neil & Manion Architects P.A, U.S. Chamber small business member (Bethesda, MD):

Our firm was fortunate to have some work this year. However, we have opted to work more hours (50-70 hour workweeks) rather than hire additional staff. We have no plans for hiring or making any major business purchases next year given the fiscal cliff likelihood.  The failure of the President and Congress to provide tax reform and entitlement reform or even a marginal agreement to prevent the fiscal cliff will make economic conditions difficult for any business to survive.

Steve Juhan, President, Grant Road Industrial Center U.S. Chamber small business member (Tucson, NM):

"I manage family owned industrial properties on the west side of Tucson. We have financed the purchases with natural gas income from Colorado (deal my grandfather made three generations ago). The tax hike would not only affect my business, but all of my tenants. I specialize in providing space for small business and start-ups. This tax hike is a direct attack on small business. Vacancy is killing Tucson right now. There are no new start-ups we are only cannibalizing our neighbor's tenants. Costs are going up (property taxes, repairs, property insurance, etc.) and rent is going down. I am doing deals for 1998 rental rates. It sucks! And it's going to get worse..."

 Glenn Cox, Owner, Family Owned Farm, U.S. Chamber small business member (Camilla, GA):

"I’m a fifth generation farmer here in southwest Georgia. I intended to pass our farm to my 21 year old daughter. The change in the inheritance tax will result in her having to sell half of our farm to pay death taxes."

For more information about how the fiscal cliff is impacting small business hiring trends, see the most-recent U.S. Chamber Small Business Outlook Survey conducted by Harris Interactive in October.

INFOGRAPHIC: The Medical Device Tax Threatens High-Paying Jobs

A new 2.3% tax on medical devices is set to hit one of America’s most innovative industries in January. According to an Ernst & Young study, companies that make devices like MRIs, pacemakers, joint replacements, etc. will fork over $2.5 billion in new taxes in 2013. This will reduce research and development of new products and stop them from hiring more workers. This tax should be repealed.

This infographic from AdvaMed illustrates how this tax harm American medical technology companies and their workers.

Protect American jobs, defend American innovation and preserve Americans' quality of life. Tell Congress to Repeal the Medical Device Tax

Fiscal Cliff Jumpers: Will Congress Willingly Send Us Back Into a Recession?

Economic recessions have terrible consequences for families, for job creation, and for prosperity. So, why with the Great Recession just barely in the rearview mirror, and our economy still struggling to fully recover, are there some in Congress who want to jump off the fiscal cliff, sending us into another recession?

Who are these “fiscal cliff jumpers?”

Well, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) recently said:  

“If we can't get a good deal, a balanced deal that calls on the wealthy to pay their fair share, then I will absolutely continue this debate into 2013 rather than lock in a long-term deal this year...”

She’s not alone.  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has agreed, adding, “Murray knows what she's talking about." 

And, former DNC Chairman Howard Dean was even more explicit:

“I think we ought to go over the fiscal cliff. It's not a great alternative but the Congress is incapable of anything else. We ought to do it."

What are they thinking?

Policy experts across the spectrum have weighed in on the fiscal cliff and agree that it would have devastating economic consequences for everyone.  Congress must hear from you now. 

Send a message to Congress today and remind them of the price we’ll all pay if Congress can’t negotiate a deal to avoid the fiscal cliff before the year’s end.

Make Your Plan to Vote On Tuesday

On Tuesday, Americans will head to the polls in one of the most important elections in our country’s history.

Let’s not leave anything to chance.

Are you ready?  Have you made your plan to vote?

Here are some helpful tools from the U.S. Chamber and VoteForJobs2012.com:

	See if you’re eligible to vote early in your state.
	Find your voting location and what time the polls open and close here.
	Make a plan and schedule to go to your polling location.
	Visit VoteForJobs2012.com to find the important races in your district.
	See how the candidates rank on the U.S. Chamber’s How They Voted Score Cards.
	Find out if any of our Featured Races are ones you’re voting in.

This election will have far-reaching consequences for our country for years — possibly even decades.  Make sure you head to the polls prepared.  

Now is the time.  On Tuesday, Vote For Jobs.

When is a Lower Unemployment Number Bad News?

This morning, it was reported that the economy added only about 96,000 jobs in August bringing the unemployment figure down from 8.3% to 8.1%  

Great news, right?  Unfortunately not.  Today’s unemployment numbers are lower because so many Americans have become discouraged with their efforts to find a job that they’ve simply stopped looking.

U.S. Chamber Chief Economist Dr. Martin Regalia explains:

“For yet another month the economy created a paltry number of jobs. The unemployment rate dropped because 368,000 people left the workforce. The participation rate in the jobs market is at a 30-year low. Clearly the economic policies that have been implemented in Washington are failing. These numbers virtually assure that the Fed will try to bail out the economy with yet another round of monetary easing.”

We can turn this around.  

But only when we stop looking to government for all of the solutions and again embrace American free enterprise and the power of small businesses to lead our recovery and put Americans back to work.

The Numbers that Matter

151 Days – the countdown continues. 

You can’t argue with the facts – and with your help, we’re getting the facts straight as it relates to the impending Fiscal Cliff.

Politicians in Washington have focused on the fact that only 2 to 3 percent of taxpayers will be impacted by the expiration of the 2001 and 2003 tax rates for higher income earners.

But that’s not the point. The point is that thousands of businesses, and the jobs they create, will be threatened. 53% of small business income would be hit by higher taxes if rates on sucessful small businesses are allowed to rise. 

Watch our Chief Tax Policy Counsel, Caroline Harris, outline why the percentage of taxpayers doesn’t matter as much as the disruption to business does.

Job creators need to know what their tax rates will be in order to have certainty and make the investments necessary to keep our economy growing.

Find out why Congress must act before it’s too late.

RELEASE: U.S. Chamber Comments on June’s Disappointing Jobs Data

RELEASE - July 6, 2012

U.S. Chamber Comments on June’s Disappointing Jobs Data

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following today’s report that only 80,000 new jobs were created in June, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Economist, Dr. Martin Regalia, issued the following statement:

“Today’s employment report should serve as a clear reminder that the pace of economic growth must accelerate if we are to see sustained improvements in the labor market.

“The global economy is in a precarious position and our current policies are not meeting our fiscal challenges. In order to alleviate some of the uncertainty businesses are feeling, we must put aside differences and act in the nation’s best interest to address these issues. We must address the fiscal cliff while agreeing on a plan to substantially reduce our long-term budget deficits, ease the burden of regulations on our nation’s entrepreneurs, and expand our trading agreements around the globe.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

www.uschamber.com            @USChamber            www.freeenterprise.com

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America: Founded on Free Enterprise

In honor of yesterday's Fourth of July holiday, we wanted to share with you comments from the U.S. Chamber’s President and CEO as he reflected on the traits that make the United States of America such an extraordinary country. 

Tom Donohue wrote in the Examiner earlier this week:

 

As we celebrate America’s independence and the birth of our country this week, we hope that you will click here to stand with us in celebration of the free enterprise system that created our rich history, and recognize how important it is to our prosperous future.

We hope you had a safe and happy 4th. 

Fundamentally Flawed

Yesterday, the Supreme Court of the United States issued their much-anticipated ruling on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, upholding the law as Constitutional.

While we respect the Court’s ruling, it doesn’t change the clear reality that this health care law is fundamentally flawed and immensely unpopular with the American people.

Without much-needed reforms, this law is certain to cost many Americans their employer-based health insurance, undermine job creation, and raise health care costs for us all.

Following yesterday’s outcome, one thing is true. Our country can’t afford the failed policies from the last few years, allowing Congress to ram through legislation that stifles growth with taxes and mandates instead of spurring it with American enterprise. 

After leading the fight against Obamacare two years ago, we have 131 days until the election to finish what we started, and send a clear message to Washington.

Now more than ever, we need your help. The U.S. Chamber is engaged in our most aggressive efforts in our 100 year history to hold candidates accountable for their position on the issues most consequential to our economy. With your continued support, candidates can’t hide from their vote in favor of Obamacare.

We need policymakers to work with job creators, instead of against them, to develop genuine, common sense reforms that will control costs, improve access, ensure quality, and promote wellness.

These are the reforms we need. And they are absolutely achievable. And with the Court’s decision, the need for action has never been greater.

We hope you’ll be a part of this effort to bring real, true, and meaningful reform that improves the quality and affordability of health care that Americans receive and stand with us in the coming days. It’s time to remind Washington that at the end of the day – voters have the final say. 

Help Us Defend Free Enterprise from Growing Government

Yesterday, the U.S. Chamber hosted its third annual Jobs Summit. Watch below as we had the pleasure of catching up with Governor Scott Walker after the event, to get his thoughts on free enterprise in America, how it has shaped the state of Wisconsin and the importance of its influence in the future of our country’s economy.

“Moderation and frugality in government leads to freedom and prosperity for our people. The reason we're the leader of the free world is because of the free enterprise system…It was the entrepreneurs, not just the innovators that got our economy going, and we need to have that happen all over again.”

Governor Walker is right. It’s small businesses and the free enterprise system that established America as an economic powerhouse, and that have created a standard of living that is the envy of the word.

The stakes are high this year as the free enterprise system has come increasingly under attack by many who believe government – not the innovation and hard work of the American people -- should solve our problems. If we’re to get our economy roaring again, we need leaders in our nation’s capitol who will embrace free enterprise, not undermine it.

With your help, we will send leaders to Washington who agree that the free enterprise system is the best bet to ensure that future generations have the same advantages and opportunities that have made America great.

Click here to become a part of our landmark 2012 Voter Education Program, and you and can help make a difference for American free enterprise in November.

Stand Up for American Enterprise!

Stand with the job creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs that drive growth.

This week, the U.S. Chamber is celebrating our 100th Anniversary -- a century of standing up in the name of American Enterprise and representing the voice of businesses across the country in Washington D. C. 

In order to properly honor the entrepreneurs, the innovators, and the small business leaders that are the drivers of our free enterprise system, we’re asking all of our friends to unite on Facebook and spread the word to STAND UP for American Enterprise.

Click the image below and sign in with Facebook to show your family and friends that you stand up for American Enterprise and the issues that are vital to its success: lowering taxes, stopping Obamacare, increasing American energy, and reining in government regulations.

The real power of this tool lies in its ability to share and spread this message right there with your Facebook network. So take a moment to click and show your friends that you care about free markets and the people and principles that make America great.

We hope you’ll stand with us.

Who’s for Jobs? And Who’s Just Playing Politics?

Last week, we highlighted three of our new ads that are part of our multi-state voter education campaign.  The U.S. Chamber has set out to make sure that American voters know where their candidates stand on the issue of jobs before they head to the polls to choose their next members of Congress.

We need to get our economy growing again, so voters need to know who is supporting sensible pro-growth policies and who is placing political interests ahead of smart pro-jobs solutions.

Today, we’re highlighting three more of our new ads that will let you know where Congressman Joe Heck, Senator Claire McCaskill, and Virginia’s George Allen stand on the issues.

Congressman Joe Heck   

Over-regulation is keeping businesses wrapped up in government red tape.  High taxes make it harder for businesses to expand and create new jobs.  Because Congressman Joe Heck understands this, he’s been fighting to lower taxes and rein in regulatory overreach.

The recession has hit Nevada particularly hard, and Nevada voters are fortunate to have Joe Heck fighting for sensible pro-jobs policies:



Sen. Claire McCaskill   

Obamacare will place a new load of new mandates and burdens on businesses -- and it wouldn’t have passed without the vote of Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill.  When Missouri voters had a chance to weigh in on Obamacare in 2012, 71% voted to reject ObamaCare’s mandates. 

So, why is Claire McCaskill still supporting ObamaCare?  See what Missouri voters need to know before November:



George Allen

George Allen has a record of working to help businesses grow and create new jobs.  As a U.S. Senator, he supported tax cuts that put more money in the hands of businesses. As Governor of Virginia, he was a bi-partisan leader for cutting spending and government waste.

Virginians should know that George Allen is fighting for jobs:



To view and share all of our ads click here.  Help us ensure that when Americans go to the polls this year, they vote for jobs.

Leave a comment below to tell us what you think of these candidates.

Vote for Jobs, It's That Simple

The U.S. Chamber is currently engaged in a historic, multi-state voter education campaign to ensure American voters know where their candidates stand on the issue of jobs.

Are they supporting pro-jobs policies to advance American Free Enterprise and put America back to work?

Or are they playing politics over smart policy ... blocking common sense measures that will get our economy back on track?

Today, we highlight three of our most recent ads that let voters know where Senator Sherrod Brown, Congressman Rick Berg, and Congressman. Jim Matheson stand:

Ohio: Senator Sherrod Brown

Business owners across the country cite the health care law as a major hindrance to hiring and growing their operations. In Ohio, more than 2.2 million Ohioans voted to reject Obamacare. Pretty clear message, right?

Not to Senator Sherrod Brown, who called the vote “confusing,” saying that it didn’t tell us anything. We’re airing this ad to help remind Ohio voters that it was Sherrod Brown’s vote that helped allow Obamacare to pass the Senate:



North Dakota: Congressman Rick Berg

While Sherrod Brown is voting for job-killing policies like Obamacare - North Dakota Congressman Rick Berg is championing measures to put people in his state back to work. For example, he supports the Keystone XL pipeline, which would create tens our thousands of new American jobs and help secure America’s energy future.  Berg rejected President Obama’s politically motivated decision to reject the XL Pipeline and the jobs it’ll create.  In this ad, we highlight how Rick Berg stood up for new American jobs and new American energy:



Utah: Congressman Jim Matheson

Another Congressman fighting for American free enterprise is Jim Matheson of Utah.  He understands that for businesses to create jobs, they can’t be over burdened by oppressive taxes and regulatory red tape.  Matheson has a record of voting to lower taxes on businesses and reduce government regulations so that American free enterprise can grow, innovate, and create jobs. Watch our new ad about Congressman Matheson here:

These are just a few samples of our voter education efforts that are currently underway. 

We invite you to click here to view all of our ads and learn how you can join our effort to ensure that America Votes for Jobs in 2012.

New Employment Numbers Look Good, But What Are You Seeing?

New employment numbers just out this morning show that 243,000 jobs were added to the American economy in January, bringing the unemployment rate down to 8.3%.  That returns the unemployment rate back to where it was in January 2009.

Good news, right?  Well, yes and no.

It is, of course, a positive development that actual jobs created exceeded the 150,000 that were being predicted.  We always want to see more jobs being added by American employers, but we have a duty to dig deeper and take a more serious look beyond just these surface numbers.

U.S. Chamber Chief Economist Dr. Martin Regalia notes that when you take a closer look, there are some unsettling facts:

“More and more people are removing themselves from the workforce because they are discouraged over their inability to find work. At this stage of the business cycle—more than 2.5 years into a recovery—it’s not a good sign that people are leaving the workforce.”

That so many have chosen to cease looking for employment is a clear sign of the continued fragile state of our economy.

If the Americans who have removed themselves from the workforce entirely were to be considered, the unemployment rate would be far higher than 8.3%.

What are you seeing in your hometown?  More job creation? New businesses opening?   We want to hear from you. Please leave a comment below to let us know the economic situation where you live.

State of the Union: More Government or Free Enterprise?

If you watched the president’s State of the Union address last night, you witnessed a speech that focused on many issues central to our economy. Unfortunately, he missed the mark. As U.S. Chamber President Tom Donohue said after the speech:

"Too many of the solutions he proposed rest on higher taxes, more spending, and an avalanche of new regulations. The way to create the jobs Americans need is to grow our free enterprise economy, not to further expand the federal government."

We’re ready to work with anyone in Congress or the White House on solutions that will put Americans back to work without raising taxes or adding to the deficit. Read the Chamber’s jobs plan here.

It’s possible. And it’s time to demand real solutions.

Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts on the president’s speech. You can also join us on Twitter for a national conversation taking place now.

Unclogging the Jobs Agenda

As we begin 2012, the American economy is stalled in too many ways.  Unemployment remains high, economic growth is sluggish and the big hand of federal government looms large.

Washington continues to stand in the way of job creation, economic growth and prosperity.

For their part, the U.S. House of Representatives has worked to provide relief from this stifling environment.  The House has passed 24 different pieces of legislation that seek to expand free trade, aid in capitalizing business ventures, expand energy production and development, reduce the regulatory and tax burdens on business, and reign in out-of-control government agencies like the National Labor Relations Board and the Environmental Protection Agency.  

Only two of these — repeal of the 1099 reporting mandate included in Obamacare and repeal of the 3% withholding tax mandate — have become law.

The remaining 22 bills have two things in common:  Each of these measures would go a long way to getting the American economy growing again.  And, all of them have stalled in the United States Senate.

You can go here to view our full chart highlighting these bills that have passed the House only to remain untouched by the Senate.

 

2011 A Year in Grassroots

The Growing Backlog of Jobs Bills in Congress

This session, the House has passed more than 25 bipartisan pieces of legislation that will create jobs. However, they’re stalled in the Senate awaiting action before a single new job will be created.  

Check out this “Jobs Tracker” resource that House Majority Leader Cantor’s office compiled including content and status of each jobs bill passed thus far in the 112th House of Representatives .   You’ll notice many red “stuck in the Senate” signs flashing.  Talk about a backlog.

These are bills aimed at things that will help to get our economy moving again like empowering small businesses, increasing competitiveness for American manufacturers and helping to reform our increasing domestic energy resources.  Many of these bills track closely with the recommendations of the U.S. Chamber’s six-point jobs plan. 

This is a significant reason the upcoming 2012 election will be so important.  We need elected officials who are willing to stand for jobs and pass the legislation needed to get our economy going again. Learn more about our efforts leading up to November 2012 and watch the ads currently running in important battleground states. 

Millions of Available Jobs Going Unfilled?

A few weeks ago, we emailed the members of our Small Business Nation network and asked them if they were one of the millions of small businesses unable to hire because of an unskilled workforce.

Believe it or not, this is a real issue in the current economy. In October, CNBC reported that, “there are about 3.2 million job openings in America that companies are unable to fill.” asked them if they were one of the millions of small businesses unable to hire because of an unskilled workforce.

Then, earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported on a new survey that shows 40% of small businesses are having trouble filling positions.

The end result is an economy that has 4.2 jobseekers for every opening, yet many small businesses cannot find applicants for the work needed.

Ghouls, Goblins and Government Regulation

The More Big Government Tries to Help...

With friends like these, who needs enemies?

I’m talking, of course, about our friends in the federal government.  The more they try to “help” small businesses ... the worse the situation seems to get.

At least, that’s what small businesses told us in our latest “Small Business Outlook” survey for the third quarter.

In our previous quarterly survey, small business’ outlook for the economy was pretty grim.  As you may recall, 84% of small business owners said the economy was on the wrong track, with only 19% planning to add employees over the next year.

Believe it or not, those numbers have gotten even worse.  Now, almost nine out of ten (89%) now believe the U.S. economy is on the wrong track — and only 17% expect to add employees over the next year.

There is, however, one thing that hasn’t changed: the biggest obstacle to small businesses is still big government.

In fact, small business owners still find economic uncertainty to be their most-pressing concern (53%), but also worry about uncertainty from what Washington will do next (39%), and the healthcare law (33%).

Now, for the good news: small businesses clearly see a path forward, much of which is in line with the jobs plan released by the U.S. Chamber last month. Take a look at these numbers:

• Eighty percent think increased domestic energy production would be helpful to the economy;
• 74% think speeding up permitting and regulatory relief would be helpful; 
• 67% think the same about passing tax incentives.

It’s wonderful that small business owners think favorably of our proposals to get America working again — but it’s frustrating that the White House and some in Congress don’t seem to be listening.

Rest assured that we’re doing our best to ensure that these politicians hear the voices of small business loud and clear.  

Man on the Street talks to the Wall Street Protestors

Fox News provides this entertaining "man on the street" segment with interviews of the Wall Street protestors.  Please leave your reactions to this video in the comments section.

 

Charles Schwab and the Power of One Entrepreneur

America’s economic recovery isn’t going to be driven by the growth of government — it’s going to be driven by empowering the private businesses who invest in new American jobs.

As Charles Schwab writes this week in the Wall Street Journal: 

WSJ Op-Ed: Why the Jobs Plan Falls Short

Today, the U.S. Chamber’s President and CEO Tom Donohue authored an op-ed that ran in the Wall Street Journal regarding the President’s recent jobs plan along with a comparative analysis of the Chamber’s six points for job creation and the President’s proposed ‘American Jobs Act.’ 

One highlight:

Business likes bottom lines. Here’s mine: Rather than tinker around the edges with temporary tax cuts and more government spending, the administration and Congress should embrace a bolder and more effective plan to open markets, attract new investments in infrastructure, develop American energy, and create powerful growth incentives by reforming taxes, regulations, and entitlements. Start doing these things and America’s private sector can get on with the job of putting America back to work.

In addition to the shortcomings in this jobs plan–too few long-term solutions and a continued dependency on temporary stimulants–this week the President released his proposal to pay for the bill, which would include increased taxes on small businesses and America's job creators. As the op-ed states, "Any jobs that might have been supported by other measures in the plan would be more than wiped out by these tax hikes. This doesn't make economic sense."

We’ll continue to keep you updated as this issue progresses and ways for you to weigh in on this vital issue. Click here to read the full article as it ran in the Wall Street Journal. 

Let's Talk Jobs: White House Office Hours on Twitter

Is the White House listening to your thoughts on jobs?  Tonight and tomorrow the White House will be holding Office Hours on Twitter, and we’ll be keeping an eye on the following events to ask the @WhiteHouse about their plans to put America back to work. 

Tuesday, September 13 at 5:30 p.m. EDT: David Plouffe, senior advisor to the president  answering your questions on Twitter during White House Office Hours using the hashtag #WHChat. 

Wednesday, September 14th at 4:00 p.m. EDT: White House Office Hours with Brian Deese, Deputy Director of the National Economic council. 

We hope you’ll join us in supporting the Chamber's six-point plan to spur economic growth in the private sector without adding to the deficit. Join in on the action by  following and retweeting  @USChamber and @USCCMiller during these times.

Are Your Members of Congress Talking About Jobs?

No new net jobs in August.  That's the bottom line from the national jobs report released on Friday.  

With more than 25 million people unemployed or underemployed, we need a plan to get America back to work. 

Has your Member of Congress proposed a plan? 

Click here to find out and communicate with your members of Congress on Facebook.

 

According to a recent survey of congressional staffers, 2/3 of those surveyed think Facebook is an important way to understand constituents’ views. 

With the President’s speech on jobs later this week and many members of Congress introducing their own plans, visit Facebook to see what’s being discussed in your community.  If you're looking for six ways they can take action now without adding to the deficit or increasing the size of government, feel free to post a link to the Chamber's jobs plan on your members' pages.

With Congress back in Washington, let’s use every means possible to make sure their top priority is getting America back to work too.

Labor Day: Honoring American Workers

As Congress returns from recess and we mark the end of summer with our annual Labor Day Briefing, we’d like to hear from you on what issues elected leaders should prioritize in order to get America back to work. 

Let’s truly honor American workers this Labor Day by supporting policies that will create more jobs for our struggling workforce. Click below to vote for the issue you feel would most positively impact America’s job creators  and help get America’s workers back in action:

Enough Talk About Jobs - We Need Action

Enough talk about jobs – we need action. 

When Congress returns to Washington they can’t afford a return to business as usual. We need leadership, we need real change, and we need it now so we can reassure the markets and grow jobs.   

The debt deal was a first step – but at this point we need more than good intentions. We need to overhaul our tax code, cut spending, repeal burdensome regulations that get in the way and enact a long-term solution to deal with the deficit.

With Congress out of the office, contact your members on their Facebook pages. Post on their pages: five real actions Congress can take to create jobs now.

1. Unlock our domestic energy resources

2. speed-up permitting and remove regulatory roadblocks for small businesses

3. Green-light transportation and energy infrastructure projects

4. Ratify pending free trade agreements

5. Boost American tourism, revenue and jobs by revising visa and travel policies 

Facebook is used for a lot of things. Let’s use it to generate some good ideas about how to get our country back to work and solve our fiscal crisis.

Wisconsin Voters Show Appreciation for Real Leadership

Earlier this year, we saluted Governor Scott Walker and the majority of the Wisconsin legislature for stepping up to lead on real budget reforms meant to put their state on the path to fiscal health.

Despite reports showing the positive impact that these reforms are already having, the public sector labor unions are still seething about their passage — the impact of which weakened the unions’ iron grip on the state’s budget.

The unions tried to mount recall elections against the state senators who supported these budget reforms — but the election returns last week showed that Big Labor came up short.

Kudos to the voters of Wisconsin for turning their voices into action in support of real leadership.  We hope that the example provided by Wisconsin’s governor, legislators and voters alike can be used by lawmakers across the country — especially here in Washington — to provide bold and honest reforms to put America back to work.

To make sure that happens, it is up to you to hold your legislators accountable.  This video, taken at our recent Governors Summit, Governor Walker gave us some recommendations on how you too can get off the side lines and influence the conversation.

P.S. Want to get involved right away?  Explore America's Town Hall to speak up and stay engaged. 

Quick Poll: Have Policies Punished or Rewarded Small Business

With rising unemployment and unsustainable debt, America’s small businesses certainly aren’t celebrating lately.  

According to columnist Mona Charen, who writes in National Review , policies enacted during the past few years have served to punish — rather than reward — success by American businesses:

Employers do not know how much each new hire will cost under the new health-care regime. Nor can they estimate how the 129 new boards, commissions, and agencies will affect the business world. Meanwhile, the EPA is regulating carbon dioxide as an air pollutant. The National Labor Relations Board is attempting to prevent the Boeing Corporation from opening a new plant in South Carolina ... the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (created by the Dodd-Frank law) is practically freezing small-business lending."

The Best 'Revenue Raiser': Economic Growth

Revenue.  Revenue raiser.  Revenue enhancement.

If you’ve been paying even scant attention to the debt ceiling debate, you will have heard at least one of those phrases (probably numerous times) over the past week.

In his press briefing on the debt ceiling last week,  President Obama referred to “revenue” as the sticking point in reaching a deal.  Media outlets have followed suit, discussing the need for “revenue raisers” as part of a deficit reduction package.

Let us be clear:  when politicians and the media use the term “revenue” (or some variation thereof), they’re actually referring to tax hikes.

It’s misleading.  Why?  For one thing, we think the best revenue enhancer is economic growth.  When the economy grows, more Americans are hired, which means they’re paying more in taxes. 

More taxpayers equal more revenue.  It’s that simple.

Further, one could argue that tax increases — especially those on employers — actually decrease revenue.  How?  Raising taxes on employers places a higher burden on their bottom line.  They’re forced to choose between paying the government, and hiring more workers, investing in new capital, or expanding their operations.

On the flip side, data shows that providing tax relief can lead to economic growth which, in turn, leads to increased tax revenue.  Take a look at the numbers contained in this Washington Examiner article from last week:

 According to historical tables published by the Office of Management and Budget, government revenue shot higher after the Bush tax cuts were enacted. Total federal government receipts rose from $1.782 trillion in 2003 to $2.567 trillion in 2007 -- an increase of $785 billion, or 44 percent. In 2007, the federal deficit shrank to $160 billion.

Tax cuts leading to economic growth and ... more revenues? 

Yep.  The numbers don’t lie. It’s time to start calling a tax hike a tax hike.  If you want to raise taxes, just tell us by taking this quick poll.

Sure, we may disagree with you, but at least’ we’ll be having an honest debate.