WASHINGTON – This week, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) announced that its small business optimism index rose in February to its second-highest reading in the 45-year history of the monthly survey.

According to the report:

• Taxes received the fewest votes as the #1 business problem since 2006
• Reports of improved earnings trends were the highest since 1987
• Inventory investment was the strongest since 2000, fueling GDP growth
• Reports of actual capital outlays rose to the highest level since 2004
• Reports of compensation increases held at the highest level since 2000

For the full NFIB Small Business Optimism Index click here.

“Every day we are seeing the positive effects of the historic tax reform package signed into law in December. Our 30 million small businesses are less worried about taxes and more optimistic about the future of their businesses and hiring potential,” said House Committee on Small Business Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH). 

In December, Chairman Chabot praised the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts Conference Report.