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Janel Knight Trulear
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(617) 875-6581

Small business group applauds bipartisan legislation that addresses high healthcare prices in TX 

Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair and CEO, President, & Co-Founder of South Texas Allergy and Asthma Medical Professionals (STAAMP) and STAAMP Clinical Research Dr. Erika Gonzalez comments on H.B. 711 that recently became law. 

San Antonio, June 20, 2023– I am deeply heartened that H.B. 711 passed with overwhelming support in the House and Senate and is now law. It is a critical piece of legislation that addresses a top concern of small business owners and families across our great state of Texas—rising healthcare costs. 

As a medical professional and small business owner, I have personally felt the strain of skyrocketing healthcare costs. Health insurance rates for my 43 employees increased by 13% from last year.

I am not alone – small business owners across the state are making difficult decisions because of healthcare costs. A recent Small Business for America’s Future survey of Texas small business owners found that they raise the prices of their goods and services to offset healthcare costs, and have delayed growth opportunities or held off on hiring new employees. Others find themselves unable to offer health insurance to their employees due to exorbitant costs. 

The bipartisan support this bill received in both the House and Senate is a testament to the pressing need for a comprehensive solution to the issue of healthcare affordability. While there is more to be done to control rising healthcare costs, I commend our legislators for their decisive action to address these high costs, which impact Texans from all walks of life and the small businesses that form the backbone of our local economies.

With the banning of harmful practices such as gag, anti-tiering, anti-steering, and most favored nations clauses, we can expect a more transparent, competitive healthcare market.

I am eagerly anticipating the positive change this bill promises to bring.

To request an interview with Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair Dr. Erika Gonzalez contact Janel Knight Trulear at 617-875-6581 or janel@emccommunications.com.

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About Small Business for America’s Future
Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.