Yesterday, I signed on to legislation introduced by Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) that will provide targeted relief from burdensome requirements placed on small businesses by the new health care law. The Obama law, marketed as health care reform, expands the size of the federal government and actually increases health care costs rather than reducing them. It is bad for our economy and for American families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Senator Kyl’s bill, the Small Business Health Relief Act, repeals mandates that drive up the cost of health insurance and limit choice for Americans, lowers premiums by repealing new fees that will be passed onto consumers, and allows people to actually keep the insurance they have if they like it – a promise made and broken by the Administration.
The last thing North Carolina small businesses need right now are more burdensome provisions that hinder their ability to hire new employees and grow. We need to be supporting our nation’s economic engine, not hindering them with new mandates that stifle growth, reduce flexibility and choice, and increase costs. We should ensure our nation’s small businesses have access to quality and affordable health coverage that meets their employees’ needs, promotes choice and competition, and empowers patients in their health care decisions. The Small Business Health Relief Act is a step in this important direction.