Small business optimism has reached its highest level in 34 years. That's according to the National Federation of Independent Business, who surveys its members regularly.

NFIB state director Dawn Starns credits the federal tax reform legislation approved last December.

"We certainly think it's tied to that.  Compensation, profits, and sales trends, all of those. People are out shopping. People are out spending money," said Starns.

Starns says they are now hoping for tax reform in Louisiana as lawmakers consider what to do with the state sales tax, which is currently at 5%. It's set to drop to 4-percent after July 1st. Legislators are considering whether to renew a third or half a penny of a temporary one-cent sales tax.

"A lesser sales tax that they are currently paying, will help everybody," said Starns.

The NFIB survey found that small businesses report high numbers in several key areas, including compensation, profits and sales trends. Nineteen-percent of small business owners also plan on price increases. Starns says that's the signal of a strong economy.

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