2005 SMALL BUSINESS LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM

Staff Contact: Nick DuBray

Fundamental Changes

Support initiatives to make health insurance more affordable by a) allowing employers to purchase a foundation health plan similar to Healthy New York, b) opposing new mandates and creating a cost-benefit commission, c) allowing flexibility and choice in benefit design by encouraging consumer-driven health plans, and d) opposing cost-shifting from the direct pay market to the small group market.
Strongly oppose "play or pay" proposals that call for steep, punishing new taxes on small businesses that can not afford to purchase health insurance for their workers.
Support comprehensive legislation reforming New York State's costly civil justice system.
Support Medicaid reforms in an effort to lower property taxes.

Other Changes

Reduce employers' costs by enacting major reforms to the worker's compensation system, such as amending the Worker's Compensation Law to reduce costs of permanent partial disability cases by establishing scheduled awards, implement objective medical guidelines for the determination of disability cases, and reduce assessments that support the second injury fund.
Continue to monitor the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund and advocate and support the most economical option for employers' responsibility to finance the UC Trust Fund.
Support a requirement that chambers of commerce be allowed to market and administer Healthy New York and sole proprietor health insurance policies.
Support electronic commerce, but oppose any mandates on all businesses.
Oppose legislation that places smaller businesses at a competitive disadvantage with bigger businesses.
Support the collection of state and local taxes on tobacco and motor fuels sold by Native American tribal stores to non-Native Americans.