NFIB Statement: Health Reform Must Help, Not Harm Small Businesses

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 10, 2009— Susan Eckerly, senior vice president of federal  public policy for the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small business association, released the following statement in response to the draft healthcare plan from the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee:

 “The legislative debate over comprehensive healthcare reform has now begun. There’s never been an issue more critical to the health of this country and small business. As Congress officially begins to identify and consider the best ways to remedy this healthcare crisis, one thing is clear – small business owners need meaningful reform, not proposals that don’t account for the real challenges that they and their employees face.

 

“Owners and employees of our nation’s small businesses need more affordable health plan options, greater choice of products, and new ways to purchase and provide insurance for themselves and their employees. Pursuing federal insurance market reforms in both the individual and small group markets would lead to better predictability and can also help reduce premium volatility that currently burdens small businesses. It cannot be said enough: Congress must help small businesses access quality, affordable healthcare.

 

“It is important, however, to voice our concerns around parts of this latest bill, specifically the employer mandate. NFIB has made its position clear – we oppose employer mandates. The research and data on the devastating impact of an employer mandate is clear – it is a job killer, potentially costing 1.6 million jobs-- hardly what this country needs in these challenging economic times. Fundamentally, a mandate fails to address the real problems of our healthcare system – unsustainable costs.  Adding new, additional burdens to small business owners – especially in the form of an expensive mandate – is not an effective approach to reform. In fact, it burdens the very people we are supposed to be trying to help.

 

“We also have great concerns over an intrusive government-run program that doesn’t compete fairly with the private market. We believe the private market can meet the challenge and can be held accountable to provide solutions that lead to lower costs and greater competition.

 

“NFIB will remain a committed participant in the health reform debate as we continue to examine legislation. We are hopeful that future bills will better address the needs of small business owners. We believe meaningful health reform legislation can pass this year but it is essential that Congress do that without harming our nation’s job creators.”

 

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NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, representing small businesses in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.