Optimism is up among small businesses according to a new survey released by the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business). NFIB state director Leah Long says federal legislation that makes a 20% small business tax deduction permanent gives small business owners more clarity.
“They can count on that deduction, they can count on being able to have that money, they can count on being able to reinvest in their business and continue to make their businesses grow,” Long said.
Long says in Louisiana small business owners are optimistic that the tort reform legislation approved in the last regular session can help reduce insurance rates over time.
“You know the legal climate will get better here in Louisiana and, hopefully, insurance rates will go down. So, as those changes get made, they’re hopeful for that,” Long said.
Long says it’s good to see improving conditions, but labor quality remains is the single most important problem facing small businesses.
“We did work on that a lot this last session with Workforce Development. We’ve got to continue to make sure we have a skilled workforce available for these small business owners to hire,” Long noted.
