WASHINGTON The International Franchise Association has voiced its opposition to the health care reform bill introduced last week in the U.S. House of Representatives, claiming that the legislation's passage would harm small-business operators.
David French, the IFA's vice president of government relations, said the organization supports health care reform but that it "cannot support reform at any price."
While the IFA supports several provisions in HR 3962 that make "necessary changes in the insurance market and provide pathways for some small businesses to access affordable coverage," French said the bill's $1 trillion price tag raises serious concerns.
"Much of the revenue necessary for this level of federal spending will come on the backs of small franchise businesses through a series of tax surcharges and penalties," he said. "The IFA's longstanding priority is to ensure that health insurance is more affordable for franchise businesses and their employees."
French also said the IFA is against any federal mandate for employers to provide health coverage and the establishment of a public option "that will, over time, shift costs onto employer-sponsored private insurance coverage."
"HR 3962 is a significant government intrusion into the benefits decisions of employers," he said.
The House bill also includes provisions for menu labeling. The bill outlines general nutrient-labeling requirements for restaurants and retail establishments that are part of a chain with 20 or more outlets.
Meanwhile on Thursday, the health care bill garnered endorsements from the AARP, the largest association of older Americans, and the American Medical Association.
Contact Paul Frumkin at [email protected].