The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) has issued a statement on the deal with certain Senate Democrats (and one Independent) to open up the federal government.
Yesterday, a deal was cut with 7 Democrats and 1 Independent to approve a continuing resolution (CR) to provide sufficient time to negotiate a larger budget deal in the coming months. While decried by leftist Democrats, the agreement will be welcomed across the country.
SBE Council CEO and President Karen Kerrigan said they strongly support the “minibus” that provides full funding and extends the CR through January 30, 2026.
“The approach allows for the federal government to return to operations while deliberations continue on other spending bills and the enhanced Obamacare subsidies. Small business owners, their employees and the local communities they serve, deserve a government that works for them – especially when they are in need of services funded by their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Kerrigan. “The extended shutdown has taken a toll on confidence and generated real hardship. Senators must swiftly act to reopen the federal government and restore the confidence of small business owners and the American public. SBE Council urges all Senators to vote in favor of the package.”
Kerrigan added that the Affordable Care Act (ACA), better known as Obamacare, deserves more scrutiny as it has failed in its mission.
“These pricey Covid-era programs merit [a] full review to determine if they have worked effectively, generated distortions, or been abused by bad actors and those not eligible. Most of the Covid programs have ended as they were a temporary response to the pandemic crisis.”
Kerrigan said that dumping more money into “a malfunctional program” is not good policy for the country. She added that she hopes for practical reforms to bring more affordable options for small business owners.
While Obamacare claimed it would dramatically slow the rising cost of health care, the cost of insuring individuals has risen significantly in the years since its approval. At the same time, Republicans have failed to produce an alternative to fix the shortcomings, with some demanding more market-driven solutions to improve the cost and availability of health insurance.
