Small Business California released the results of its first small business survey which was distributed to more than 20,000 businesses with less than 100 employees throughout the state. The survey showed pessimism about the state of California’s economy and a strong desire for the state to address healthcare and continue addressing workers compensation costs and improve the quality of education.

Scott Hauge, founder of Small Business California, said, "Small business owners might be pessimistic about the condition of the economy but other surveys and my own interaction with business owners indicates that they are very up- beat about their own prospects."

The top three issues small business owners would like California to address, according to the survey, are the rising cost of healthcare (88 percent) continuing reform of workers compensation (82 percent) and the quality of education (79 percent). 

Kim Parker, executive director of the California Association of Employers and board member of Small Business California, said, "The state of California is facing major issues surrounding healthcare, workers compensation reform, energy and education. Like all Californians, small business owners want our representatives in Sacramento to focus on finding solutions for these problems."

The survey was conducted this year during the months of March and April. Of the respondents, 60 percent are based in Southern California with 40 percent in Northern California. The party registration is Democrat 33 percent; Republican 45 percent and independent or a third party 17 percent. The questionnaire was drafted by the polling firm of Fairbanks, Maslin Maullin and Associates.

Small Business California is a new organization representing the interests of small businesses in California. Its board of directors acts as advocates for small businesses and represents thousands of small businesses in every part of the state.