NAM: Manufacturers call President Obama's $1 trillion health-care proposal 'disappointing'

As President Obama offered his new health-care plan Feb. 22, National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler issued the following statement expressing concerns with the proposal:

We are disappointed that the President's proposal includes hundreds of billions in new taxes and fees but does nothing to contain costs for America's manufacturers and job creators. Health care reform needs to be first and foremost about reducing costs, not adding burdensome new costs and taxes on employers. Manufacturers want the health care debate to move forward, but with a focus on long-term savings that will make health care more affordable for everyone.

The President's proposal appears to largely embrace the Senate legislation which includes significant tax increases on America's job creators. Manufacturers believe health care reform should focus instead on reducing costs, improving access and preserving what is working in the current system.

Ninety-seven percent of National Association of Manufacturers members voluntarily provide health care benefits to their employees and have expressed a desire to continue to do so. Unfortunately, the President's proposal would raise costs and make it more difficult for employers to continue offering flexible, generous health benefits that meet the needs of their diverse workforces.

It's time to start over with a bipartisan plan for true health care reform that lowers costs, improves care and does not hurt the economy and job creation.