Open Sign PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — A recent survey of Wisconsin employers found businesses are concerned about the national economy.
“We have business leaders from all over the state telling us that they think that the next six months are going to be profitable for them,” said Scott Manley with Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, as he shared his first impressions about its new employer survey results.
But the results show an increase in worry about the national economy, with 36% of employers saying that’s their biggest concern for the next six months.
We have a situation where tax cuts that were enacted for both businesses and families back in 2017 are expected to expire at the end of the year, and if Congress doesn’t extend those tax cuts, that will be the largest tax increase in the history of our country.
What had been the number one concern for employers for decades — finding enough workers — fell from 63% in their last survey six months ago to 52% now.
“The fact that employers are much more able to find employees is a good economic sign. It means that more people are looking for work, more people are getting jobs,” Manley explained.
Rob Kleman with the Oshkosh Chamber said President Donald Trump’s tariffs are causing a bout of uncertainty.
It’s something that could result in lower interest in long-term investments.
“Depending on the subject matter, if it comes to tariffs, there’s some employers it really benefits,” Kleman said. “If there’s opportunities for them in the market from supplying their products locally now, versus coming from somewhere else overseas. But if you’re sourcing parts from overseas, that’s where it becomes a little more difficult.”
Kleman explained that it’s just one piece of the complex puzzle.
“Taxes are still important. The regulatory climate is very important to businesses and especially to manufacturers, and the availability of workforce and laborers,” Kleman said.
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