House Vote Targeting Healthcare Exchanges an Attack on Small Business
Statement by John Arensmeyer, CEO, Small Business Majority:
Today the House of Representatives passed legislation blocking funds for the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and specifically the state health insurance exchanges, one of the most important parts of healthcare reform for small businesses. Defunding critical components of the new law will do nothing to lower healthcare costs for small businesses and help our economy grow.
The health insurance marketplaces will allow small businesses to pool together and purchase health insurance at a lower rate, and will increase choice and competition in the market. Today's action in the House would prevent the exchanges from being implemented and would deny small business owners relief from skyrocketing health insurance premiums.
In this tough economy, small business owners and the millions they employ need all the help they can get. This legislation would guarantee higher healthcare costs, lower profits and fewer new jobs. We urge the Senate to reject this misguided legislation and instead focus their efforts on smooth implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
Small Business Majority is a national nonprofit organization focused on solving the biggest problems facing America's 28 million small businesses. We conduct extensive opinion and economic research and work with small business owners, policy experts and elected officials nationwide to bring nonpartisan small business voices to the public policy table.