Why Main Street isn't creating jobs

CNBC reports:

While a recent small business optimism index ticked up slightly, a look between the lines shows small business woes are emerging and creating a ripple effect on expansion plans and new hires. Rising health-care costs, the minimum wage debate and even more red tape are dampening entrepreneurs' outlook and ability to create jobs.

Few small businesses think now is the time to expand, and hiring was essentially flat for the 11th straight month, according to this week's release of the August small business optimism index from the National Federation of Independent Business. The report suggests even weaker job creation ahead.

William Dunkelberg, NFIB's chief economist, says it's simple. Business owners don't think things will be getting better anytime soon.

"The business environment is not favorable," Dunkelberg said. "Six months from now, more business owners think things will be worse off than those who think things will be better."

Yet, many statists think costs have no consequence on hiring.