RM Markey releases data on how Trump and MAGA Republicans drive up costs for millions of American small businesses 

State Data on Small Business Health Care Costs (PDF)

(Washington, December 11) – Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today released the following statement after Republicans voted down a Democratic proposal to lower health care costs for American small businesses, employees, and their families. As Ranking Member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator Markey is leading the fight to extend the premium tax credits that families and small businesses rely on to afford their health insurance.

"Today, Republicans made a clear choice: bow down to Donald Trump and vote to make health insurance more expensive for 10 million small business owners and their employees. Republicans are telling the job creators and the economic backbone of our country—small businesses—that their health care comes second to tax breaks for CEO billionaires.

“Republicans have a genius plan: DO NOTHING to lower health care costs and let small businesses struggle to survive in Trump’s failing economy. Health is the first wealth, and Republicans’ dogged opposition to lowering health care prices robs small businesses, turning Main Street into Pain Street. Small businesses won’t forget the Trump administration’s betrayals. I will continue to fight to protect access to health care for all—not just the wealthy few."

Ranking Member Markey also released state-by-state data on the more than 4.2 million small business owners who rely on enhanced premium tax credits to access affordable, comprehensive health care, including nearly 60,000 small business owners in Massachusetts.

If Republicans refuse to join Democrats in extending the expiring premium tax credits, annual premium costs will, on average, double for 10 million American small business owners and their employees.