FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BARRE VT (July 8, 2026) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in Vermont today released the following statement regarding Governor Phil Scott’s Executive Order 05-26 (“Expanding Affordable Health Insurance Choices for Vermonters”):

“High healthcare costs are one of the biggest challenges facing small business owners in Vermont,” said John Reynolds, State Director for NFIB in Vermont. “For too long, Vermonters have struggled under the weight of failed healthcare policies that left them with higher prices and fewer choices. We are grateful that Governor Scott’s executive order expedites badly needed reforms and sets the stage for future action that will restore options and lower prices for small businesses, workers, and families.”

Executive Order 05-26 orders state agencies to develop legislation that establishes a Small Employer HRA Tax Credit, begin the process of creating an Individual Market Reinsurance program that will lower premiums for individuals and families who buy coverage on their own, make recommendations on restoring the option for small businesses to form Association Health Plans, and remove outdated barriers to other small business health insurance options.

###

For over 80 years, NFIB has been the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today. For more information, please visit www.NFIB.com.