This bill would increase the cost of health insurance 3 percent. Iowa's business owners are looking for a candidate who won't support health care increases, Brasher said. As prices go up, many employers quit buying insurance for employees - choosing to give them the money previously spent on health insurance. And as research shows, employees don't spend this money on insurance, Brasher said. Iowa's business community is looking for a candidate who will create legislation to let small business pool together to start medical savings accounts that will decrease their costs.
Minimum wage is another hot issue for Iowa businesses.
NFIB members are watching candidates' views on ergonomics standards for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. By far the most controversial issue is ethanol. NFIB members largely have an independent, free-market business philosophy and government mandates go against that. However, government mandates on ethanol would help many Iowa businesses. Brasher said that NFIB members have very different views on the issue.