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Washington Watch
January 7, 2004
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NASE Helps Micro-Businesses
Win Support from Government in 2003
Micro-businesses across the country made legislative
gains in 2003, thanks in part to the advocacy of the
NASE. From tax relief to increased options for access
to health coverage, micro-businesses are closer to a
level playing field with large corporations when
running their business.
The introduction of legislation that would eliminate
the payment of self-employment tax on health insurance
premiums was the highlight of the Association’s
advocacy efforts in 2003. Sole proprietors are the
only business entity that pays this extra tax,
unfairly burdening them on top of already skyrocketing
premium prices.
After NASE President Robert Hughes took the issue to
House Small Business Committee Chairman Don
Manzullo (R-IL) and Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez
(D-NY) in April, both introduced
H.R. 1873, the Self-Employed Health Care
Affordability Act. The NASE continues to educate
Congress on this issue, and is optimistic about its
progress this year.
In another legislative victory, provisions of the NASE
Micro-Business Stimulus Plan, presented to
legislators in February, were included in the
Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.
The acceleration in individual income tax rate
reductions and the increase in business expensing have
both spurred growth among the self-employed and
entrepreneurs.
Health Savings Accounts, passed by Congress in the
Medicare overhaul legislation in late November, were
another priority of the NASE. HSAs, combined with
high-deductible insurance policies, provide a flexible
option for the self-employed and micro-business owners
to obtain affordable health coverage.
Read about more NASE legislative victories in 2003 at
www.NASE.org, including
NASE testimony before Congress, the
Women Entrepreneurship Initiative, and
original research.
And, help 2004 start off right by urging your Members
of Congress to eliminate the payment of
self-employment tax on health insurance premiums at
the NASE
Legislative Action Center.
NASE Accepting Applications for Next
Women's Advisory Council
Do you want to impact the future of women
entrepreneurs and make a difference in your Association?
The NASE is accepting applications for the next Women’s
Advisory Council – a dynamic opportunity to assist the
Association in meeting the unique challenges facing women
entrepreneurs today. For more information or to apply,
click here.
Do any of these issues affect you? Visit the NASE Legislative
Action Center and “Tell Your
Small Business Story.” This will help the NASE understand -
on a personal level - how key legislative issues are affecting
your business and your bottom line.
For more information about any of the articles in
Washington Watch, contact Maureen Petron, NASE public
affairs manager, at (202) 466-2100 or
mpetron@nase.org.
Click here for the PDF Version
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