Survey of small-business owners centers on possible tweaks to the economy

Small-business owners in Nevada offered some direction for the state Legislature to follow if it wants to tinker with the economy.

In a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, 56 percent of Nevada members said tax incentives should be used to encourage increased renewable technologies, with 34 percent opposed and 10 percent undecided.

In a companion question of whether Nevadans should be mandated to reduce energy usage, 86 percent of small-business owners said "No" and 7 percent said "Yes."

Asked if the Legislature should allow health insurers to offer plans to small groups and individuals free from many of the mandatory requirements currently on them, 75 percent responded "Yes," 17 percent said "No" and 8 percent were undecided.

As to whether Nevada should eliminate prevailing wage requirements for public works in smaller counties, 84 percent of respondents said "Yes," 9 percent voted "No" and 7 percent were undecided.

The federation will base its lobbying positions on responses to the survey in the Nevada Legislature, which convened this morning.

"Three things not needed are a new regulation, a new or higher tax and a new health care mandate if legislators are serious about helping spur the economy with the people — small business owners — who are the economic engine of the Silver State,” said Daniel Markels, Nevada state director for the group.