DENVER (May 5, 2026) – Ahead of the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing considering SB 178, NFIB State Director Michael Smith urged lawmakers to oppose the bill.

“The so-called ‘Health Insurance Affordability Measures’ does exactly the opposite, imposing a new $40 million assessment on health insurance carriers to fund a state program. That means higher premiums for Main Street businesses and their employees. Finding affordable health insurance is already a major challenge for small business owners. On behalf of our members across the state, we urge lawmakers to oppose SB 178.”