PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Health-care cost and regulatory compliance are the top two issues on the minds of Rhode Island small-business owners, according to a survey released Monday by the state's Office of Regulatory Reform.
Governor Chafee has been gathering data and policy suggestions on a variety of economic issues dogging Rhode Island -- all with an eye toward rebooting the state's economy and lowering its naggingly high unemployment.
Earlier this year, the Chafee administration contacted more than 6,000 small
businesses, asking that they complete a survey and provide feedback on the impact of regulations and compliance costs. Slightly more than 700 businesses responded.
"Health insurance costs were consistently identified as the primary challenge to business, followed by state, then federal, regulations," the report states.