Health reform a big concern for business

Health care costs and the economy are the top factors affecting both employers’ business decisions and their vote in the upcoming presidential election, according to a survey released today by the Principal Financial Group.

More than half of employers (57 percent) say health care costs are top of mind in regards to their business decisions, while slightly less (54 percent) cite economic growth. Other top issues include uncertainty of taxes (45 percent), gas prices (43 percent), unemployment (37 percent) and inflation (36 percent). The Principal group surveyed 604 business owners in companies of 10-500 employees.