Joint Statement Applauding Congressman Chet Edwards' Health Care Vote
Austin —The following statement may be attributed to Texas Association of Business (TAB) President Bill Hammond:
On behalf of the Texas Association of Business and employers across the state, I applaud the courage of Congressman Chet Edwards for voting against the government-takeover of health care insurance. This tax increases in this bill directly targets the small business owners while still leaving millions ineligible for health insurance. Congressman Edwards listened to his constituents and is doing what is right for the employers of Texas by opposing this trillion dollar government power grab.
The following statement may be attributed to National Federation of Independent Business-Texas Executive Director Will Newton:
We appreciate the “no” vote Congressman Edwards took on H.R. 3269. With his no, he chose to stand with the small business community and vote against a bill that includes employer mandates, a harmful payroll tax, new onerous reporting requirements and other new mandates. This bill fails to deliver what small business has long sought — a reformed, private insurance marketplace that can provide businesses and employees with more affordable coverage and a sustainable choice of plans.
The following statement may be attributed to Regional Director of the US Chamber of Commerce Pete Havel:
I congratulate Congressman Edwards for sticking to his principles of fiscal responsibility and support for employers and employees in his district. Chet Edwards showed by voting against the House bill that he understands that adding nearly $700 Billion in new taxes on businesses and individuals is no way for the country to get out of this recession.
Founded in 1922, the Texas Association of Business is a broad-based, bipartisan organization representing more than 3,000 small and large Texas employers and 200 local chambers of commerce. Discover TAB online by visiting www.txbiz.org.
The National Federation of Independent Business is the nation's leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals.
The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
