Featured Article

The state’s largest business organization is urging Governor Jodi Rell not to sign a bill that would open the state health insurance plan to small businesses.

The bill would allow small businesses, municipalities and non-profits to buy into the state employee health insurance pool. Its proponents say this is practical way of providing low cost health insurance to many in the state who may be either uninsured or struggling with high priced plans. They also say it’s a good way to help cash strapped towns and cities.

The Connecticut Business and Industry Association has lobbied vigorously against the plan, saying they believe the companies providing the state plan may increase rates if the pool is opened, thereby costing the taxpayer more. They also say they’re dubious that signing up to the plan will prove cheaper for municipalities or businesses. CBIA has been accused of opposing the bill because the Association itself offers a health plan for small businesses. But the CBIA’s Joseph Brennan says that isn’t their motivation.

"Frankly we’ve always put the policy side above any business considerations. To the point, back in the early 1990s we supported legislation that changed the way ratings are done for small business and it essentially put CBIA’s product out of business. And we came back and did something else afterwards, but we supported legislation because it was the right thing to do. This bill is not the right thing to do for the small business community."

The bill is backed by labor unions, and has the support of several municipalities, who believe it could help lower property taxes. It’s passed both the house and senate, and now goes to the Governor’s desk. Her office has expressed skepticism about the plan.