Health care, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance reform and competitive issues facing small businesses in Washington State top the list of actions recommended at the Statewide Small Business Conference.

“Small businesses can lead the way out of recession,” said Carl Gipson of the sponsoring Washington Policy Center. “But they are struggling and yesterday business owners from around the state were very clear about what’s impacting them the most.”

They want medical malpractice reform and the ability to go across state lines to purchase health care benefits for employees, Gipson said. Attendees at the conference also stated loudly that Washington should join 90 percent of the nation where government does not hold a monopoly in providing workers’ compensation coverage.

Small business advocates want the Employment Security Department to eliminate liberal construction of cases and freeze the voluntary quit option. On the subject of business competitiveness, the conference asks for a reduction of the overall tax burden on businesses.