Release: Linda McMahon: House Health Bill Will Kill Jobs
“The House Bill Will Force Already Struggling Small Businesses Across America To Pay Higher Taxes And Fees To Cover The $1.2 Trillion Cost. … They Just Can’t Do It. Washington Just Doesn’t Get It. They Are About To Drive What’s Left Of Our Small Companies Right Out Of Business.”
West Hartford, Conn., November 9, 2009 – Late Saturday, the House of Representatives passed its $1.2 trillion health care overhaul. U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon issued the following statement in response:
“America’s health care system is in need of reform. Families and businesses across our country know this. Costs are skyrocketing and too few have the insurance coverage they deserve. It is essential that we reverse these trends.
“Especially at this time of record unemployment, we must be mindful of the unintended consequences that Washington may create. The House health care bill takes the wrong approach. It will kill jobs while failing to reduce costs. Small businesses are key to leading us out of recession. They create 70% of jobs. The House bill will force already struggling small businesses across America to pay higher taxes and fees to cover the $1.2 trillion cost. The top marginal tax rate would rise to 45%, a burden that will primarily fall on small businesses, and if businesses cannot afford health coverage, they’ll be hit with a penalty costing 8% of their payroll. They just can’t do it. Washington just doesn’t get it. They are about to drive what’s left of our small companies right out of business. With unemployment at 10.2%, this is no time to cut the hiring power of small businesses.
“As the Senate addresses this issue, I hope it will take a better approach that will not lead to higher unemployment. First and foremost, tort reform must be an essential part of health care reform. This alone could save $54 billion over the next ten years. The bill should also allow individuals and small businesses to pool together to get health insurance at lower prices. This is a practice long-employed by large companies and labor unions. For those who still cannot afford care, we should provide the assistance they need. Americans deserve quality health care without interference from Washington politicians and powerful special interests. These policies are essential steps to solving our health care crisis, and they do not come at the expense of killing jobs.”
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For more information, contact the Linda McMahon for Senate Press Office, 860-244-2010.