As a small business owner, maintaining the health and well-being of my employees is one of my highest priorities. Part of that is making sure they have access to affordable health care benefits and prescription drug coverage, resources needed to ensure they can continue to serve our customers and keep my business growing. .
However, small business owners like myself are working harder than ever to make ends meet and it is becoming increasingly difficult for us to be able to afford health coverage for our employees. We know how to run a business; we don’t need the government dictating how to take care of our employees. Unfortunately, large government mandates are driving up costs for businesses and patients across Texas, and it’s time for lawmakers in Austin to do something about it.
Meanwhile, big drug companies continue to raise prescription drug prices without any accountability. Their relentless price hikes run well above the rate of inflation, and in 2023, drugmakers have already increased the price of nearly 1,000 drugs — as of the end of January alone.
This is all the more disappointing given that polls show that 80% of Texas voters want affordable and accessible health care coverage, and more than 70% would even go to a different pharmacy if it meant having drugs. more affordable by prescription.
However, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.
A new bill sponsored by Sen. Drew Springer, SB 605, would cut the red tape of anti-business health care mandates and prevent cost increases at the pharmacy counter. This bill would help Texans get affordable prescription drugs from lower-cost pharmacies. More than that, it would help reinforce the pro-business and limited-government ideals that underpin our great state.
We thank Sen. Springer on the attitude towards small businesses, but this is only a first step. Now we need our fellow legislators to support him and act as a voice for all employers and employees in the state. We’re counting on them to take this opportunity to promote affordable health coverage and prescription drugs for Texas businesses, employees and families.
In this new legislative session, we are asking our legislators to walk the walk and stand with Texas businesses and workers.
Brent Hagenbuch is the Chairman of the Denton County Republican Party and a small business owner.
