North Augustans have an opportunity next week to let the S.C. Chamber of Commerce and their local state legislators know what they're worried about.

The state Chamber hosts a series of grassroots meetings to give a voice to local business people and anyone else.

The meeting next week is in the training room of the North Augusta Municipal Building (unless that room proves too small for the crowd).

Among the topics expected to come up are tax restructuring, Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, the Employment Security Commission and health care reform, according to North Augusta Chamber President Brian Tucker.

The event, set for 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, is an opportunity to remind the state Chamber that the current tax structure is definitely not working where schools are concerned. Businesses are still paying school taxes, and individuals are supposedly paying their portion through state taxes; however, the schools are being forced to cut back at every turn. A serious look at the benefits and the problems with the way school funding is handled currently is needed.

Another issue that will rear its ugly head next year is health care. As Obamacare moves forward, the costs could be prohibitive for many small businesses, who may find closing their doors is easier than contending with the new regulations regarding health care. Small business persons need to step up and say exactly what that will mean for them.

The state Chamber comes into the grassroots meetings with a clean slate. It's looking for the business community to set the priorities. Now's your chance.