In 2015, the new Congress will consider a host of critical issues important to businesses. Key trade agreements under negotiation will likely come up for a vote. Congress also continues to discuss tax reform and will need to address extensions of both the Highway Trust Fund and the Export-Import Bank, which assists in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets.
But how can these issues best promote America’s competitiveness?
To find out, Business Forward recently conducted a survey of tens of thousands of business leaders in its network. People responded from nearly every state, from companies large and small, and from many different industries, including retail, tourism, manufacturing, finance, and tech. Their responses are as diverse as the businesses we work with everyday.
What are business leaders’ top priorities for Washington?
A majority of business leaders surveyed said that action to improve access to capital and reform the corporate tax code should be top priorities. Many favor a comprehensive approach to improving the business environment and also want to see Congress do more in the areas of employee health care, infrastructure investment, and talent training and retention.
Here is the full breakdown:
Particularly at small firms, obtaining financing was the greatest priority. This is true for Bryan Peckinpaugh, the Chief Strategy Officer at Evolve-Engage Strategies in Detroit, Michigan. But Bryan also said our nation’s aging infrastructure is a major concern:
Our primary need is greater access to capital, but improving our infrastructure needs to be a priority. Power outages and transportation issues directly affect the economy through workers’ availability and productivity.
Larger firms tended to place a greater emphasis on reforming the nation’s tax code, fixing our infrastructure system, and improving worker training. Kieron Keady of Goway Travel, one of the oldest, largest, and most experienced travel companies in North America, said restoring consumer confidence should be a primary goal:
A lack of consumer confidence and a weak dollar are killers for my industry. When consumers are confident, America does well.
With Congressional action needed on so many different, important issues, our elected officials would benefit from listening to business leaders on how best to grow our economy, create jobs, and keep America competitive.
Hompepage photo used with permission through Creative Commons.