As I travel throughout the district to tour small businesses and hold manufacturing town halls, the one recurring theme I hear is why Washington doesn’t listen more.  No matter where I am, employers and employees tell me the unpredictability coming from D.C. is hurting their ability to hire, grow and make long-term business decisions.

In order to get our economy moving again, Washington should stop giving orders and start listening.

I practice this belief everyday as your representative.  Shortly after coming into Congress, my office set up a number of business and manufacturing advisory committees.  These businesses range in size and cover a number of important industries across the state.  In order to make informed decisions in Washington, it’s vital to understand how the policy will affect job creators on the ground.

It is also essential for me to get out in the district and visit businesses to hear from Granite Staters on the manufacturing floor.  These tours present a great opportunity to hold manufacturing town halls to listen to any concerns, answer questions, and provide legislative updates from Washington.

During these manufacturing town halls, I hear concern and apprehension from employees over certain Washington policies.  You don’t have to look too far to realize these same concerns are shared by small businesses all across the country.  A recent survey from the National Association of Manufacturers and National Federation of Independent Business revealed 69 percent of small business owners and manufacturers say the Executive Branch’s regulatory policies have hurt American small businesses and manufacturers.  In addition, 67 percent say there is too much uncertainty in the market today to expand, grow, or hire new workers.  Perhaps most shocking, 55 percent of small business owners say they would not start a business today given what they know now and in the current environment.

In order to turn this sentiment around, businesses all across America need to have predictability in the tax code and a regulatory environment that doesn’t stifle or burden economic growth. Washington needs to listen and realize that another trillion dollar stimulus bill or tax increases on small businesses will not grow our economy.  Instead, Washington needs to focus on creating the best climate for businesses to hire and grow.

Washington may believe it has all the answers to solve our current economic problems.  But Americans know the real solutions come from our entrepreneurs and small businesses.  All we need now is for Washington to take a step back and listen to them.

I look forward to reporting back to you in two weeks on the latest developments in Washington.  In the meantime, if I can be of service to you, or if you want to share your thoughts, suggestions or concerns with me, please call either my district office in Manchester at (603) 641-9536 or my Washington office at (202) 225-5456, or contact me through my website at www.Guinta.House.Gov.  You can also follow what I’m doing 24/7 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repfrankguinta and on Twitter at @RepFrankGuinta.

Until next time, please know that I am always on your side and am actively fighting for New Hampshire’s interests in Washington.

U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta, R-NH, represents the First Congressional District.