(CSi)  In a news release, the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce says, that it prides itself on its support for the local Jamestown community, including the numerous small business that reside in the area. When they thrive, we thrive.

The news release states, “That’s why the Health Insurance Tax (HIT) on small businesses healthcare needs to be immediately prevented from taking effect in 2018.”

Becky Thatcher-Keller, Executive Director of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce, says,  “Many of our members are small businesses who offer health care plans as one of their many benefits. This tax will hurt them when it comes to their annual budget, forcing them to use funds reserved for other capital improvements to paying this tax.  We just cannot afford such a tax hike, especially before the holiday season when so many small business owners are planning out their budgets for next year, and working to grow their businesses.”

It goes on to say,  this federal tax is a component of the Affordable Care Act, a burdensome component that will hurt many small businesses and their employers. Employers who purchase certain health care plans for their employees will be affected, as will those who are self-employed and the employees who are receiving health coverage as part of their benefit. There will be an average hike of $500 in premiums during 2018 if the tax goes into effect.

Senator Heidi Heitkamp is a sponsor of a piece of legislation calling for a 2-year delay of the Health Insurance Tax. The chamber urges Senator Hoeven and Congressman Cramer to join her to prevent this small business tax hike from coming back in 2018.