Politicians and pundits are still parsing the results of November's midterm elections, which resulted in the change of control of both the House and Senate. They're trying to divine the meaning of this flip in Congressional leadership and predict the country's direction leading up to 2008.

But the most pressing concern for small-business owners and entrepreneurs is what the results mean for your business. So let's put the election in perspective.

The issues that threaten small business' vitality didn't change on Nov. 7. A change in Congress didn't change small business' needs: access to affordable and quality health care, the threat of frivolous lawsuits, the burdens of overregulation and simplifying a complex tax code.

A new direction in Washington doesn't mean small businesses can, or want to, pay more taxes, be forced to buy health insurance for their employees, endure more regulations and paperwork or suffer more liability exposure because of employees who use unscrupulous tactics for personal gain.

However, this vote for change does mean there's a chance for a new dialogue between the political parties about how to keep America's economy growing, and how to support the independent entrepreneurs that represent 99.7 percent of all businesses in this country and more than 40 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product.

Small-business owners have made it clear they want a simpler and fairer tax code, as well as access to affordable health insurance that provides choices in coverage and cost, not expensive mandates.

Entrepreneurs are also looking for fair and cost-effective regulations, with an enforcement program by government that is focused on help and education rather than fines and criminal penalties. They are asking for a legal system that discourages abusive, shakedown lawsuits.

Quite simply, small businesses are seeking solutions to the issues that concern them, rather than expensive government mandates.

In the months leading up to the election, I heard from many people who are concerned about the priorities of those expected to hold leadership positions. For example, one of the first things that the new House leadership would like to do is to raise the minimum wage, a move that many small businesses have consistently opposed as unaffordable and a job killer instead of a job creator. Several other probable House committee leaders are questioning the need for permanent tax relief.

In addition, there's a huge demand from organized labor, trial attorneys, environmental groups and others or legislation on a number of other important issues, such as health care. Most of this legislation is not expected to be small-business friendly. So we have our work cut out for us.

But the next Congress also represents great opportunity. There will be more than 50 new members of the House and Senate coming to Washington in January. They need to learn what's on the mind of small and independent business owners, and to understand the small-business position on key issues.

They need to hear that these issues don't have partisan labels. One thing is clear: small-business owners don't care who addresses their concerns. They just want our leaders to help provide real solutions. So as a small-business owner, it's critical that you speak up now and make your concerns known to your elected representatives. Your right to own, operate and grow your business depends on it.

Todd Stottlemyer is the president of NFIB (the National Federation of Independent Business), the nation's largest small-business advocacy group. A non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1943, NFIB represents the consensus views of its 600,000 members in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com or calling 1-800-NFIB-NOW.