Gov. M. Jodi Rell vetoed a Connecticut General Assembly bill to allow small businesses and non-profit organizations to join an insurance pool for state employees.
Proponents argue the law would lower insurance costs for small organizations, but Rell said insurance carriers might compensate by hiking premiums the state pays for its own employees. The bill”™s opponents included the Hartford-based Connecticut Business and Industry Association, which runs an insurance brokerage arm for small businesses.
“This veto is yet ”¦ another blow to the hardworking families of Connecticut,” said Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, in a prepared statement. “This is a profound failure of leadership that reflects an administration that is out of touch with the concerns of ordinary Connecticut residents … I cannot think of a better way to encourage economic growth than to provide businesses with a high-quality affordable health care option.”
Rell indicated she would work with the bill”™s authors on a “more workable version” of the bill when Connecticut begins a new, two-year legislative session next January.
“The concept has real potential to help at least some cities, towns, nonprofits and small businesses reduce their health care costs,” Rell said in written comments defending her veto. “I would very much like to explore the pooling idea further and make sure all of the costs and risks are understood ”“ and anticipated in the budget ”“ next session.”
”“ Alexander Soule
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