NFIB Flags Pennsylvania’s 100.6 Employment Index as Taxes Rank 4 Points Worse Than U.S.
Updated
Updated · Central Penn Business Journal · Jul 13
NFIB Flags Pennsylvania’s 100.6 Employment Index as Taxes Rank 4 Points Worse Than U.S.
3 articles · Updated · Central Penn Business Journal · Jul 13
Summary
Pennsylvania’s small-business labor market trailed the national reading in NFIB’s latest state report, with the Employment Index at 100.6 versus 101.6 for the U.S.
NFIB said that lower reading signals a weaker labor market where hiring and retention are relatively easier, though employment and hiring still remain a leading challenge for the state’s small firms.
Taxes ranked as Pennsylvania owners’ top issue and scored 4 points worse than the U.S., while planned capital outlays ran 6 points below the national average.
Overall sentiment was steadier: Pennsylvania’s Small Business Optimism Index matched the U.S. at 98.5, and business-health readings were broadly similar despite higher uncertainty.
That uncertainty has improved by more than 20 points, but Pennsylvania still sits above the national level at 94.7 versus 89.5, underscoring lingering pressure on the state’s business climate.