LETTER: HIT delay is one thing we can all agree on

It seems as though every week there is a new political divide on some issue in this country, and frankly it gets tiring, and that’s coming from someone who has been involved in politics for a long time! When a legislative issue does come along that has bipartisan support, it seems logical that our members of Congress can put aside their differences and pass something, right?

Well, now is one of those times when the call of unity is upon us and there are real consequences to inaction. The Health Insurance Tax is going to go into effect January 2018, Senator Murkowski and Senator Sullivan must support a one-year delay of this tax for the sake of Alaskan small businesses and their employees.

This tax will result in higher premiums, more expenses for businesses, and it will limit the economic growth across the whole state and country. Our Senators have supported small businesses in the past, and they both need to demonstrate their support now. Delay the HIT from emptying businesses pocketbooks and putting employees’ health at risk.

— Steve Colligan

Former Vice-Chair of Alaska GOP

Small business owner