Doris Matsui: “I rise in strong opposition to the bill before us. This bill would cost the American small business owner dearly. In…”

“I rise in strong opposition to the bill before us. This bill would cost the American small business owner dearly. In Sacramento, over 88,000 small businesses are eligible to take advantage of the tax credits provided under the current law to help offer and afford meaningful health insurance coverage. Gordon, the owner of a communications firm in midtown Sacramento, covers 100 percent of his 13 employees' health insurance premiums. This is the firm's second highest expense next to payroll. As a result of the tax credits in the Affordable Care Act, Gordon's company is expecting to save roughly 25 percent in employee premiums. This frees up much-needed capital so Gordon's business can prosper and expand. Another small business that will grow as a result of the tax credits is a small cafe owned by Pat and Kim in downtown Sacramento. They currently employ four full-time employees who receive full benefits and 25 part-time employees. With the savings they are planning to see from the tax credits, Pat and Kim will be able to hire another full-time employee. This is the type of job creation that we need to help repair our economy and see small businesses thrive again. That is why repeal is so dangerous and why the Affordable Care Act is so critical to small businesses in Sacramento and throughout our country. For these small businesses, I urge my colleagues to vote 'no' on this bill.”