To replace lost jobs and incomes, the economy needs entrepreneurs to fill the void with business startups. During the economic downturn a decade ago, the business startup rate fell and never fully recovered, which contributed to a slow recovery. Even before that, the startup rate had been trending down since the 1980s. That is troubling because startups play crucial roles in the economy. They create most net new jobs. They are a key source of innovation because new products are often pioneered by new companies. And they challenge dominant firms, which helps to restrain prices and expand consumer choices.
This report argues that state and local policymakers should slash regulatory barriers to startup businesses. State governments should repeal certificate of need requirements and minimum wage laws, liberalize occupational licensing and restaurant alcohol licensing, and fully legalize marijuana and hemp businesses. Local governments should reduce and simplify permitting and licensi
However,
small business owners understand the limited impact of artificial inputs. As such,
they will not make long-term hiring decisions, an ongoing cost, against a short-term artificial increase in demand.
Also, given President Biden is focused on more government regulation and higher taxes (which falls squarely on the creators of employment),
increased costs will further deter long-term hiring plans.”
Such was explicitly a point made by the
“Higher wages would increase the cost to employers of producing goods and services. Employers would pass some of those increased costs on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
Those higher prices, in turn, would lead consumers to purchase fewer goods and services.