Photo source: LA House of Representatives
As a taxpayer and safeguard of the state’s finances, I appreciate the work Whip Scalise and US Senator Cassidy are doing to Stop the health insurance tax (HIT).
This HIT tax can add nearly $500 per worker to the annual premium, an amount sufficient to have large-scale effects within any company, including slowdowns in hiring. From a broader perspective, I am disturbed by the effect of the HIT tax on my constituents and the local economy. The Louisiana small business community is unanimous in its opposition to the HIT tax because of the negative consequences for their companies. Working families often feel the brunt of the impacts, and we all appreciate the leadership Whip Scalise and US Senator Cassidy have shown in pushing back against these taxes.
The HIT Tax impacts everyone. HIT tax hurts low- and fixed-income residents who rely on Medicare Advantage, because their costs also increase with the tax. This group is probably the least able to absorb price hikes in the hundreds of dollars, and we should seriously consider the ethics of adding to their health care costs.
We should all be thankful that Whip Scalise and US Senator Cassidy are leading the charge to extend the current moratorium on the health insurance tax that is safeguarding businesses, working families, and seniors. Louisianans deserve similar protections in 2020 and beyond.
State Representative Cameron Henry
Chairman, House Appropriations Committee
