New Chamber Website, www.HealthReformImpacts.com, Highlights Business Perspectives

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today joined with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and the American Action Network to host a forum entitled “Behind the Curtain: The Health Care Law’s Impact on Small Business,” which brought together small business owners, policy experts, benefits consultants, and members of Congress to discuss the impact of the new health care law. At the event the Chamber launched a new website—www.HealthReformImpacts.com—to serve as a centralized location for the business community to learn about the implementation of the new law and to share their perspectives on how the law impacts their businesses.

“Nothing could be more important than for Congress to hear about what this health care law is doing, and to hear it directly from the small business owners who are being affected by it,” said Randel K. Johnson, senior vice president of Labor, Immigration, and Employee Benefits at the U.S. Chamber. “The Chamber is still hoping to address the real issue that was ignored in the legislation—getting health care costs under control. We are going to continue to be very involved in the regulatory process, we are going to push legislative fixes to the law, and if necessary, we are going to consider legal options.”

Considering the challenge of implementation and the uncertainty created by the large amount of discretion left to government entities implementing the regulations, there are still many unanswered questions about the specific impact the law will have on employers, their workers, and their families. Today’s event is one of a series of ongoing discussions that the Chamber will host to facilitate important discussion on the impact of the new law. On www.HealthReformImpacts.com, business owners can access credible studies, timelines, media reports, and information provided by other business owners. In addition, the website provides an opportunity for business owners to share their stories and perspectives on the new law.

“Today’s event provided an opportunity for the entrepreneurs and small business owners who create jobs to discuss the new law’s provisions and how it will affect their ability to maintain and build their businesses,” Johnson continued. “As businesses begin to feel the impact of 1099 requirements, the employer mandate, and new taxes, our Website will serve as a resource for business owners to become informed, speak out, and be heard.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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