Jim Haws, state Sen. Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford) and state Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Plainsboro) talk in Hamilton during Sweeney's small business tour.

HAMILTON — Two local shops played host to state legislators Tuesday afternoon as part of a statewide tour highlighting small businesses.

Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford) said outside the Kucker-Haney Paint Company in Hamilton that the trips helped legislators to better understand the problems faced by small businesses.

Such trips and conversations also give legislators insight into problems the legislature might be able to solve, said State Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Plainsboro).

“It’s the best way to make good legislation,” she said.

Paint store owner Jim Haws said he has seen problems ranging from regulatory overlaps and taxes to competition from big box stores and rising healthcare costs.

His wife, Susan Haws, said it has become more expensive for the store to insure its nine employees.

“Healthcare has just gone through the roof,” she said.

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