A recent survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reveals that filling job openings remains a significant challenge for small business owners across the United States. According to the June survey, 36% of small businesses still have unfilled job positions, a 2% increase from May. Additionally, 86% of small business owners report receiving few or no qualified applicants for the roles they need to fill.

The survey highlights that finding skilled labor is one of the biggest hurdles for small business owners, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation. Louis Rainey, owner of Pelican House restaurant in Duncanville, Texas, shared his struggles, despite offering competitive wages, healthcare, and free meals. "We get a ton of applications, but you don’t get the qualified workers you are looking for," said Rainey.

In response to the growing labor shortages, the Texas Legislature passed a bill to attract skilled workers from other states, hoping to ease the burden on local businesses. Additionally, the Texas Restaurant Association, along with the National Restaurant Association, has urged the federal government to provide immigration relief for law-abiding workers to fill critical roles.

Voters will also decide in November on a measure to significantly raise the business property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000, which could provide substantial tax relief to small businesses. These measures aim to alleviate the pressure faced by small business owners while addressing the increasing labor shortages.

Despite these challenges, the broader U.S. labor market remains resilient. According to the June jobs report from the U.S. Department of Labor, employers added 147,000 new jobs, surpassing expectations and lowering the unemployment rate to 4.1%. This report reflects the ongoing strength of the economy, despite the labor challenges faced by small businesses.