Small Business Forum on Healthcare and Energy

There was good news and bad news for small business owners that attended a forum Tuesday organized by Governor Haley Barbour. MPB's Patty Davis has details.

Soon after the forum got underway, it was clear that Governor Barbour and the co-sponsors of the event wanted to gain support for their opposition to current healthcare reform and energy proposals. Ron Arledge, with the National Federation of Independent Businesses foretold huge tax increases.

Arledge: We can't take any more burden right now. And if you do this, you will cripple this economy to the point where it may not, could recover. And we will not be able to produce and create jobs because of that burden.

For small business owner, William Sahutske, the message hit home.

Sahutske:There's already enough burden on me as it is. What I have to.. you know, taxes and insurances That I have to provide. And if I plan on growing my business this could definitely hurt it and prevent that. Which would be the end of small business then.

Jim Finley's business is to teach other businesses how to grow and market themselves in the tough economy. He didn't say which side of the aisle he supports.

Finley: I'm interested in it. And I'm always interested in all sides of the equation. And I think it's healthy to understand what the issues are from all sides of the equation. And that's the only way you can make an intelligent decision in terms of how we go forward.. after we weigh all sides of it.

Healthcare reform dominated the the question and answer period of the forum, but the threat of higher taxes thru new energy legislation also made some waves. It was clear in the end, that small business owners in Mississippi are worried about their future. For MPB News, I'm Patty Davis