07/14/2008
CONTACT: Bill Vernon 617-482-1327 or Jason Brewer 202-406-4435
Boston—All or part of the following may be attributed to Bill Vernon, state director of National Federation of Independent Business/Massachusetts, in response to Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposal to increase healthcare fees on small business.
We are stunned by the governor's proposal to further increase the contributions of small business owners to the health insurance system. Small employers are already struggling in this shaky economy with high unemployment insurance costs, and skyrocketing energy and commodity prices. Now is the wrong time to impose a massive new fee increase with so many small employers barely treading water.
The administration's solution to rising healthcare costs in every instance has been to stick the bill with the taxpayer. Once again, the governor is putting revenues ahead of cost containment, opting for a massive fee increase before acting on any meaningful legislation to contain healthcare costs.
As Massachusetts approaches 100 percent coverage, our efforts must be focused on making healthcare more affordable—particularly for small business and individuals. More mandates and higher fees from regulators and legislators will only make it more difficult for small employers and individuals to obtain coverage.
NFIB is the nation’s leading small-business advocacy association, with offices 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 online at www.NFIB.com/newsrooom.
