BUSINESS MERITS SAY-SO IN ECONOMIC PLANNING

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce has stepped up efforts to strengthen ties with local chambers across the state. As such, the group hosted a meeting for area chambers last week in Cape Girardeau.

Their approach is sound. While there are many strong lobby groups across the state, business has been somewhat fragmented. The state chamber is a viable organization, but it would be so much more potent with the support of hundreds of thousands of chamber members across the state. Without a doubt, the "secret weapon" of the state chamber lies at the local level.

Without a strong, united voice, business and industry may simply be trampled forced into a reactive, rather than a pro-active mode where tax and legislative proposals.

Repeatedly, business and industry have been inviting targets for carrying the load of higher taxes. Many citizens want better services, but don't want to pay for them. The fact is someone has to pay the bill. But as we burden our business community, we are restricting Missouri's economic lifeblood.

Yes, business can pay higher taxes, but there are consequences we must carefully weigh. Businesses must remain profitable, and a hefty tax increase can only be passed on to consumers in higher prices for goods and services, or reductions in work staffs. And that may adversely affect the state's economic well-being. Business should pay its fair share, but not everyone's share.

And that's where the local businessmen and -women come in. It's easy to target "big business" to carry the load. We all know these nameless, faceless corporations are making money hand over fist. They can well afford every tax increase, right? But the fact is most of Missouri's businesses are not these affluent giants. Most are like our local businessmen, who are struggling to make ends meet just like the rest of us.

It's not just tax proposals causing concern to business. Perhaps their biggest worry stems from the rising cost of health care. Many businesses are forced to absorb a 25 percent or higher increase in health care premiums each year. Hiring educated and productive workers is another prime concern. Also at the top of the list is growing government red tape rules and regulations that seem to proliferate with each sunrise.

America's business community has spawned untold creative and innovative ideas. Perhaps they can help Missouri and the nation come up with solutions to the problems of rising health care costs, a literate work force, tax burdens, and red tape. Businessmen realize that they must be partners in improving Missouri's economic climate. But as partners, their wishes should carry some weight.

It's time we listened to Missouri's business community, instead of just targeting them to pay the bill. That includes not only the state organizations, but our local businessmen as well. They deserve a genuine say-so in Missouri's economic future.