FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Federation of Independent Business/California
Contact: Shawn Lewis (916) 342-9315; [email protected]
NFIB Announces Opposition to Health Care Tax
SACRAMENTO, Calif., February 10, 2016 – The National Federation of Independent Business, California’s and the nation’s leading small business association, today announced its opposition to the Governor’s proposed health care tax, as reflected in SB 2X 15 (Hernandez) and AB 2X 20 (Bonta).
“In a survey we released in November, 63% of our small business members saw increased rates to their health plans. Our members have told us health care is the #1 issue they are concerned about, so at this point we are opposed to this health care tax until we have assurance that our members will not be negatively impacted,” said Tom Scott, NFIB/CA State Executive Director. “Given the multitude of uncertainties our members face from minimum wage increases to a looming taxation on services proposal, a new, complex health care tax that could lead to higher premiums seems like the last thing to throw at small business.”
Any proposals that increase costs to California’s struggling small businesses need to be weighed very carefully. Some may not be overly onerous when standing alone, but policies are never implemented in a vacuum. Consequently, the piling on effect only serves to stifle our leading job creators in this state.
This legislation has been in print just over 48 hours and is poised to be acted in the immediate future. While we understand the time-sensitive nature to meet federal deadlines and recognize the fluidity of negotiations, our current position reflects our desire for further information regarding the impact to small business. Until sufficient analysis can provide more clarity that shows us that our members will not be negatively impacted, we remain opposed to this health care tax.
Please click here to view our letter to members of the Legislature in opposition to SB 2X 15 and AB 2X 20.
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For more than 70 years, the National Federation of Independent Business has been the Voice of Small Business, taking the message from Main Street to the halls of Congress and all 50 state legislatures. NFIB has 350,000 dues-paying members nationally, with over 22,000 in California. NFIB annually surveys its members on state and federal issues vital to their survival as America’s economic engine and biggest creator of jobs. To learn more visit www.NFIB.com/california
