Rivero: Payne stood up for small businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of Arizona’s economy, but skyrocketing prescription drug prices are making it difficult for employers to offer their employees flexible and affordable health care coverage.

Thankfully, Representative Kevin Payne has been standing strong for Arizona’s small businesses and families, rejecting additional mandates or regulations that could increase health care and prescription drug costs even further.

Employers must balance the responsibility of providing high-quality health coverage to their employees and families, while also managing economic headwinds and keeping rising costs at bay. To navigate these challenges, small businesses rely on flexible health plans that allow them to reduce costs and recruit and retain talent.

As a former Councilman and state legislator, I had heard from many of constituents in my districts over time repeatedly expressing their concerns about government interference in how businesses can build health coverage plans.

Some lawmakers have proposed policies that would make it harder for employers to offer prescription drug benefits that meet the specific needs of their employees — or that would even outlaw certain lower-cost pharmacy options.

These counterproductive measures undermine patients’ ability to access life-saving medications and ultimately harm small business growth. Thankfully, Representative Payne stood up for small businesses and hardworking Arizonans across the state.

Tony Rivero
PEORIA