Below are responses to our December Quick Poll.

1. What are your hiring plans in the next six months?
Of those responding, 66.3% say they will maintain their current workforce. Only 14.4% plan to hire new employees, while 19.3% plan layoffs.

2. Do you have plans to increase your investment in plant or equipment?
Only about a quarter of the respondents plan to increase investments in the next 3 to 12 months; 72% have no plans.

3. Is your business better off than it was six months ago?
Sixty-one percent of the respondents say business is worse than it was six months ago, 24% say it is the about the same, and 15% say it is better.

4. How well is the leadership in Washington handling economic issues?
A majority of the respondents—76%—think Washington leadership is doing poorly in handling the economy. Another 14% say “not very well,” 7% say “fair,” and 3% say “very well.”