Originally published in The Day (Link)
There are now multiple bills before the state legislature’s Finance Committee that would create a new health insurance tax, harming Connecticut employees and the businesses for which they work.
As president of Acme Wire Products in Mystic, I can attest that our health care costs are our largest expense outside of labor costs. During the pandemic, we have seen just how difficult it is for all businesses, both large and small, to continue providing health insurance for their employees. Any policy that increases costs on health insurance would be disastrous to not only my business, but other businesses in our community.
Mystic is very much a tourist town and relies on much of that income to keep the town afloat. Any additional costs incurred on businesses would put it in danger of losing those businesses that bring tourists from around the state and country to the region.
The state legislature cannot responsibly enact any such policy, especially when so many small businesses are already struggling. On behalf of Connecticut small businesses, I urge them not to pass a health care tax or similar measures that would add additional costs to health insurance.
Mary Planeta Fitzgerald
President – Acme Wire Products
Mystic