Women target global warming as a concern
In a recent survey, health care was overwhelmingly named the most critical issue affecting businesses owned by women, but nearly two thirds of women business owners surveyed also believe that global warming and changes to the environment will affect them professionally and/or personally.
The results of a national survey of women business owners were released today by Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), the nation's largest bipartisan women's business group. "What Business Women Want" is an annual online poll conducted by WIPP to gain insight on issues affecting the growth of women-owned businesses.
In a show for current legislation, more than 85% of those surveyed want small employers to have the option to access the same insurance programs offered to government employees and 64% believe that the number of uninsured individuals would decrease if business owners were allowed to shop across state lines for more competitive rates.
The majority supported small business tax breaks as an incentive to offer employee health coverage.
Concern about energy costs ranked as the second most critical issue at 52%. More than half of all businesses (52%) said they have plans to alter business practices to either conserve energy or become more environmentally friendly and 35% reported offering technological initiatives and/or business/service product offerings to increase energy efficiencies.
Two-thirds of the respondents believe that global warming and environmental changes will affect them or their businesses and 45% want to see the government use both incentives and regulations to encourage businesses to encourage conservation.
Tax reform and the federal deficit tied at 51% each for third place. Eighty-one percent believe the current tax structure is in need of comprehensive reform. Women entrepreneurs want several tax cuts made permanent, including the estate tax, capitol gains and dividends, and expensing for small business. Regarding the federal deficit, 67% stated that federal spending should be reduced to decrease the rising deficit.
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