FULL PRESS RELEASE FROM NFIB
Gregg Thompson, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, released the following statement today in response to President Obama's tour of North Carolina:

"President Obama says he wants to put people back to work by getting Congress to pass a $400 billion jobs package, but here's a better idea: Keep the $400 billion and leave small businesses alone. Big government doesn't create jobs. Small businesses do.

"The president's solution is a big stimulus package focused on temporary tax breaks and infrastructure. Taxes are a big worry for small business, but according to NFIB's monthly Small Business Optimism Index, taxes aren't the No. 1 problem facing America's small businesses right now. The No. 1 problem is poor sales.

"If a small business can't afford to hire a new employee because of poor sales, a temporary tax break probably isn't going to change the math. What small businesses really need is for Washington to take a serious look at tax reform.

"The president also should have taken this opportunity back off on the torrent of new regulations already in the pipeline. There's been a 60 percent increase in major federal regulations since 2005. Today, there are upwards of 4,200 environmental, labor and other regulations pending at the federal level, and that makes it hard for small businesses to plan ahead - and discourages them from expanding and creating new jobs.

"Instead of doing anything as bold as backing off, the president is simply offering more of the same, and that's a shame. Hopefully, Congress will set aside the president's plan and encourage businesses to start growing again by simply getting out of their way."

NFIB/North Carolina is the state's largest small-business association.
NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends its views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.