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2011 Key Votes 

The November 2010 elections ran some of the most aggressive and unexpected campaigns ever.  With the support of its grassroots networks, the U.S. Chamber helped to usher in a sweeping new era of leadership.

The elections brought issues and priorities, rather than politics, to the forefront of debate, demanding bipartisan support for economic change in America.

The U.S. Chamber took part by endorsing 276 candidates, who exemplified  proven pro-business agendas  aimed to promote solutions to end wasteful spending, reckless budgets, and excessive taxation and regulations that have been stifling economic growth in America.  Of these candidates, 86% proceeded to take office this January, including 21 Senators and 214 Congressmen.

As the 112th Congress progresses, we will continue hold each and every member accountable and ensure that they are working to remove the legislative roadblocks to economic prosperity and pave the way for businesses large and small, to get America Back to work.

What Small Business Thinks

How do American small businesses view the job of the 112th Congress?  According to our Q3 Small Business Outlook Survey the policies that Congress has been enacting are not faring  well. 

According to those surveyed, almost nine out of ten (89%) believe the U.S. economy is on the wrong track — and as a result only 17% expect to add employees over the next year. Additionally, they claim that 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 some in Congress don’t seem to be listening.

Click here to view the entire survey.  

 


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