December 2006
CONTACT: DONNA WERTENBACH
Representative for Micro Enterprise Resource Group (MERG)
Toll free: 888.835.2333

Quotes from the Comments Section of the Survey

Overview

Many of the businesses would like to see a solution to this problem as follows:

“I feel that something needs to be done”. Responses from several surveys representing towns statewide

“It would certainly increase my employee retention” Service business in Portland

“Employees would be happier. They would be less worried about accidents in and out of work.” Service business in Norwich

"Connecticut must behave responsibly in the creation of universal health insurance. It must address the root of the problem: the flawed, overly bureaucratic, terribly inefficient and costly delivery system of medical coverage. Forcing small businesses to buy into this failed system will not yield greater coverage of employed, but it will guarantee higher unemployment.” Service business in New Britain

“I believe that everyone should be able to get medical care. It a state subsidized plan could help small businesses and not hinder them, I am all for it.”- Manufacturer in South Windsor

“I believe that offering insurance is very beneficial, but I would have to find something that is affordable and effective at the same time.” Retail business in Colchester


Some felt that there should be better alternatives at lower costs but that it should be optional, not mandated:

“This should be a right by the employer, not a demand. I cover all costs for one employee now…I felt that I needed to cover her insurance to keep her from seeking alternative employment but it was my choice! Service business, town unknown

“I feel that a person has the RIGHT to go without insurance”. Service business in Kensington

“Would not want to support mandated requirement for business owners.” Service business in New Haven

“Support holistic/preventative modalities.” Service business in Southington


Most of the comments were concerned with the financial impact of the new costs. Unless current costs for insurance are reduced dramatically the concerns are:

“At the present cost of supplying medical insurance, if it is mandated by the State, the financial burden to small business would be very extreme.” Manufacturer from New Haven

“I would probably end up closing up shop” – was the most common response

“I could not afford insurance for all employees. It could possibly bankrupt my business.” Service business from Meriden

“I would probably remain a single person enterprise and not grow the business.”
Service business in Enfield

“This would put a huge strain on out business financially, We would probably not be able to hire employees. This also would prove to me that Connecticut is really not for small business, this law would only prove to small businesses that Connecticut is only supporting big business.” Service business in Stafford Springs

“I would be forced to seek only free lance employees”, Service industry in New Haven

“I would hire employees to work less than the required time” Retail business in New Haven

“I would go to all subcontractors” Service business in Watertown

“I get a lot of work through competitive bids. This would affect our costs and make me less competitive” Service business in New Haven

“I would have to consider how or if I can grow the business.” Service business in Middletown

“I would be forced to raise my prices, thus lowering my profits.” Manufacturer in Hartford and a Manufacturer in Waterbury

“I would have to consider the life circumstances of future employees in making employment decisions.” Service business in Cromwell

“I would have to lay off employees.” Service business in Plainville

“It would probably deter me from hiring, or it would certainly directly affect the hourly wage I was willing to pay them.” Service business in New London

“Insurance expenses for small businesses are prohibitive. As a family law attorney, I realize how seriously health insurance costs impact a woman’s ability to divorce and establish a new life”. Service business in Manchester

“If not subsidized in some form, it would increase the cost of doing business in Connecticut. The additional cost would need to be passed on to clients making my business less competitive with others. Net result would be a negative impact on the economy. However, if the state were to place caps on health insurance rate increases and subsidize part of the cost, it would assist business owners in attracting skilled labor. Service business in Bridgeport

“If the state’s administration wants to be seen as contributing to the overall health and welfare of state, I would think that a state subsidized plan for small businesses that meet specific criteria would be an excellent way to commence its governance. Indicating the state’s surplus with so many employees uninsured does not garner confidence from one’s constituency. Manufacturer in Putnam

Download the entire survey ( PDF)