Florida Representative Hears Issues From Small Businesses
On Wednesday, Florida small business owners got a chance to express their concerns over the federal Healthcare Insurance Tax, part of the burdensome regulations small business owners grapple with under Obamacare. The Tallahassee (FL) Democrat reported that US Rep. Gwen Graham (D-Tallahassee) met with business owners on Wednesday to discuss the tax in a morning talk hosted by groups including the National Federation of Independent Business Florida. Graham is a co-sponsor of HR 928, a measure in Congress that, if passed, would repeal the Health Insurance Tax, which NFIB Florida estimates “amounts to $159 billion in new costs over the next decade,” or about $500 annually for each employee in small businesses across the state. NFIB Florida executive director Bill Herrle said during the meeting Graham was able to see some of the daily challenges the state’s small businesses face, such as increased regulations and fees. He added, “They need change now.” Rep. Graham, however, said, “There’s a hesitancy to make any changes because there’s a concern I hear from my colleagues on the Democratic side that once you start making changes, where does that stop.” She said such a mindset misses “historically what the reality has been. Whether any major piece of legislation has been re-enacted in this country, there’s been unintended consequences. That’s just the reality.”
What This Means For Small Businesses
The Health Insurance Tax is one of the more burdensome consequences small business owners face under Obamacare. Florida small business owners should take some solace in Graham’s efforts to repeal the HIT, but until the legislation is passed and implemented, the state’s businesses will struggle in the face of mounting healthcare costs.
Additional Reading
Last year, NFIB noted research it conducted on the expected downsides of the Health Insurance Tax.
Note: this article is intended to keep small business owners up on the latest news. It does not necessarily represent the policy stances of NFIB.
