National Federation of Independent Business Calls for the Enactment of AHP Legislation as National Small Business Week Begins 9/15/2003
From: Mindi Boyagian or Ianthe Jackson, 202-554-9000, both of the National Federation of Independent Business WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- As National Small Business Week begins, NFIB is calling for the enactment of Association Health Plans (AHPs) so that small businesses can do what they do best - spur economic growth and job creation. Recent economic numbers show the state of the small-business economy continues to improve and optimism is steadily increasing, however, firms remain reluctant to hire new employees due to insurance costs. "The positive economic numbers are encouraging. The surge in NFIB members' level of optimism is a direct result of the Jobs and Growth Tax Act going into effect. It is providing America's leading job creator -- Main Street business -- with the tools needed to invest more into their companies," said NFIB President Jack Faris. "However, small-business owners are still reluctant to create new jobs-and the growing chorus from Main Street says the high cost of insurance is to blame. In order to get the economy back in tune, America's small-business owners need AHPs to become the law of the land." Small-business optimism surged in August with record gains, according to NFIB's latest research. Despite positive economic signals, the report also shows that small firms are not creating new jobs. The number one barrier to job creation: the high cost of health insurance. In fact, according to NFIB's 600,000 small-business members, it is their No. 1 problem. That's why the creation of AHPs is the top legislative priority for small business. AHPs would give small businesses the same purchasing power that big business, big labor and big government currently enjoy. It would allow small businesses to band together and buy health insurance through bona fide trade associations. The result would be lower premiums and more employers offering health insurance. Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed AHP legislation by a strong bipartisan vote. It is now up to the U.S. Senate to act on similar legislation sponsored by Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Chairwoman Olympia Snowe (R-Maine). The legislation has the full backing of President Bush and the administration, as well as more than 150 business or trade associations representing more than 12 million employers and 80 million American workers. To increase awareness of the issue and to put pressure on lawmakers, NFIB is launching a nationwide public service announcement campaign -- with an emphasis on the home states of U.S. senators who have yet to sign on to the legislation. "This legislation is small-business owners' number one priority this fall. NFIB's grassroots activities will focus on getting this common-sense bill to the Senate floor," Faris said. "Let this serve as notice to members of the Senate -- NFIB's 600,000 members are watching for your support!" ------ The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is the nation's largest small-business advocacy group and a proud sponsor of the Small Business Administration's 50th Anniversary National Entrepreneurial Conference and Expo. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1943, NFIB represents the consensus views of its 600,000 members in Washington and all 50 state capitals. For more information, or to hear the Public Service Announcement campaign ads, visit NFIB's Web site at http://www.nfib.com. |