OTHER NEWS - May 19, 1995

Government Gets Low Marks From Small-Business Leaders: Chief executives of the nation’s fastest-growing companies say government doesn’t do enough for small businesses, according to a survey by Inc. magazine. The magazine polled the leaders of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in the nation, who are meeting in Norfolk, Va., for an annual conference sponsored by the publication. The vast majority said government needs to cut spending, reform tax laws and get the budget deficit under control--but they also think federal and state agencies should do more for small businesses. Less than 10% of the executives said existing federal programs provide significant support to fast-growing small businesses. Seventy-six percent said they do not. They also gave low marks to states, with 54% saying states play no significant role in nurturing small business. At the same time, 36% found that local government plays a positive role.