FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct 18, 2004
Contact: Doug Bush
617-899-3684

SWISTON SAYS CURRENT LEGISLATURE LACKS VISION
Tax credits stimulates economy and can make healthcare more accessible, not less

In a recent interview, the question "If you want all these tax cuts, what programs are you going to cut?" was posed to Greer Tan Swiston, candidate for State Representative in the 11th District of Middlesex.

"This is just so indicative of the lack of vision and the lack of foresight of the legislature, especially my opponent." Swiston says. "Incentives to create jobs and promote successful businesses would increase state revenue in very short order resulting in more state money, not less."

Nearly half a million people are currently uninsured in Massachusetts, most of whom are working families and small businesses who can not afford to offer healthcare benefits as a result of rising health insurance premiums. Those who wish to remain in Massachusetts, resign themselves to being uninsured.

"The less people get to choose their healthcare, the more generic and encompassing the healthcare requirements, the more expensive healthcare is for everyone and less affordable it is to for the working family, the small businesses, thus making healthcare a luxury that many aren't able to afford." Swiston says. "Increasing healthcare requirements, thus raising healthcare insurance is just another example of how my opponent doesn't understand how economy works."

Already in discussions is a proposal for legislation that would increase health insurance coverage targeting state tax credits to small businesses to encourage these businesses to offer health insurance benefits. Businesses with less than 50 employees would be provided tax incentives to make covering their employees more appealing and more affordable.

The proposal includes a formation of an insurance exchange that would allow small employers to be pooled together. This exchange would negotiate lower health insurance rates and offer a number of insurance options, including options designed for the service industry and seasonal employees. This exchange would make insurance more affordable to small businesses, working with insurance brokers, to offer their employees increased choice of health insurance plans.

State government reform that reduces government waste and provides Massachusetts with additional financial flexibility will reduce the number of uninsured. Reinvigorated marketing and other efforts will ensure that eligible children are enrolled in public health insurance programs.

Quick to do her homework, Swiston is already looking further into this proposal and talking with the physician who developed it.

"When I see a problem, I like to consult the experts to find the solution." Swiston says. "This proposal demonstrates the kind of creativity and vision we're currently missing on Beacon Hill."