The National Dialogue on Entrepreneurship has their take on the second Bush term and how it will relate to entrepreneurs. Here are the highlights:
"Tax Cuts: The Bush economic team has clearly indicated that further tax cuts will remain a top priority, and the President has vowed to pursue fundamental tax reforms. Over the short term, expect an initial focus on making permanent the various temporary tax cuts that were enacted in 2001 and 2003. Among the measures to be considered are to permanently eliminate the estate tax, keep the top tax rate for dividends at 15%, and maintaining the top personal income tax rate at 35%.
"Tort Reform: President Bush has long been an advocate of tort reform. Indeed, reform of Texas' legal system was one of his proudest accomplishments as Governor. He has indicated that legal reform will be a top priority in his 2nd term, so expect to see efforts such as a move to place limits on non-economic damages in medical malpractice suits. We should also expect federal regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to continue with a light hand in terms of regulating key industries.
"Health Care: President Bush has centered his plans for health reform on two separate efforts: health savings accounts (HSAs) and association health plans (AHPs). Both HSAs and AHPs are designed to allow consumers to assume more control over health care costs and their health care decisions. While HSAs are now available, the President would like to introduce further tax incentives so that more employers use this tool to engage consumers. AHPs would offer small businesses the opportunity to pool their resources and purchase health insurance at competitive rates."
