WIPP Annual Survey Finds U.S. Economy and Rising Health Care Costs as Top Issues...

WIPP Annual Survey Finds U.S. Economy and Rising Health Care Costs as Top
Issues Affecting Women-Owned Businesses

WASHINGTON, April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. economy is the
number one issue affecting women business owners according to the "What
Business Women Want" sixth annual survey conducted by Women Impacting Public
Policy (WIPP), the nation's largest bipartisan women's business group. This is
the first time that the economy has led WIPP's poll.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060727/DATH022LOGO)
"The response from women entrepreneurs clearly reflects the growing
concern with the U.S. economic outlook," said WIPP President Barbara Kasoff.
"Given the key role that small business plays in our overall economy, the
survey results can help shape federal and state policies."
Despite ranking the U.S. economy as their primary concern, survey
respondents were optimistic about their business prospects in 2008. In fact,
over 82 percent said they do not expect to downsize their business and 49
percent expect to add up to five new employees this year.
A close second in the poll, health care continues to be a critical issue.
Almost two-thirds of the respondents stated they offer health insurance
coverage to their employees, but were split on whether employers or
individuals should be responsible for obtaining health insurance. In a 13
percent increase from last year, 46 percent of those interviewed said
individuals rather than employers should be responsible for health care
coverage. Although the majority opposed the federal government acting as the
sole provider of healthcare coverage, 89 percent were supportive of proposals
that would give small employers access to the same insurance offered to
government employees.
Energy and environmental concerns ranked third on the survey, with two-
thirds of respondents indicating they have experienced moderate or significant
impact on their business from rising energy costs. To address those costs, 51
percent believe Congress should mandate technical innovations to reduce
dependence on foreign oil and 37 percent believe changes are best addressed by
the free market.
Other issues that ranked as important or very important in WIPP's survey
include access to capital, federal procurement programs and
telecommunications.
For the complete survey, visit http://www.wipp.org.
About Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP):
WIPP is a non-profit, national bipartisan group with over half a million
members. WIPP is The Collective Voice in Washington, DC, for 46 national women
and small business organizations. Visit http://www.wipp.org.
SOURCE Women Impacting Public Policy

Jennifer Dennis-Smith, +1-405-516-9686, Jennifer@JonesPRInc.com; or Regina
Sullivan, +1-202-626-8528, regina@sullivanassociates.com, both for Women
Impacting Public Policy