NFIB TO LAWMAKERS: Oppose Employer Assessment
Dear Representative:
National Federation of Independent Business/Vermont (NFIB/VT) has consistently urged the legislature to be mindful of the financial consequences being placed on small businesses. We believe that lawmakers must bring spending in line with the growth of our economy. Vermont cannot sustain an increase in spending year-after-year and put the burden on the backs of small business.
With the $48 million in taxes and fees this year after last year’s $30 million, the legislature continues its irresponsible practice of increasing spending at a higher rate than the economy is growing. The day-to-day focus should not be to find a new tax source. It should be how to cut spending, live within our means, and give Vermont business some deserved breathing room.
NFIB/VT continues to oppose the imposition of the Employer Assessment (EA) and further increases. The Employer Assessment Tax currently increases $4M on small businesses who are not providing health care to their employers.
Originally the administration and the legislature encouraged small business owners to drop their coverage on the promise of removing the health care burden from small businesses. Now it is being sought as a penalty, and businesses are being punished for listening to the advice from lawmakers and the Governor.
There has been some debate about whether or not the Employer Assessment serves a purpose and should be repealed. NFIB/VT encourages you not to dismiss the importance of repealing the EA imposed on small businesses across Vermont. The EA should have been repealed years ago; and it should be repealed now.
