"But if businesses are asked to shoulder more of the ever-rising cost of state government, they will expect something in return."

Of course they want their pound of flesh.  For the Greatest Generation,  getting a more educated citizenry, modern infrastructure, and better healthcare were all good enough things to get in return for investing in their country.  For the Greediest Generation, that isn't enough.  

No sick pay for workers! No paid family leave!  No living wage!  Just go to work for compensation that doesn't even make ends meet, even if your sick!  Just go to work even if your children are sick! And don't bother planning for a vacation because you can't afford it anyway!  Say goodbye to the American dream and embrace American corporatism you ungrateful workers!