Alliance Applauds Repeal of Red Tape Requirements on Small Business Owners

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliance for Affordable Services celebrates passage of H.R. 4 as a legislative victory for its members and small-business owners nationwide.  President Obama signed The Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011, which removes a provision in the health care reform law that requires employers to furnish a 1099 statement to a corporate vendor when they spend more than $600 in one year with the vendor.

The Alliance joined a coalition of more than 160 associations to urge Congress to eliminate the requirement, and encouraged Alliance members to take grassroots action in their states.  "The Alliance for Affordable Services launched the original effort to repeal this reporting requirement more than a year ago, and we are proud that our advocacy has been successful," explained Dr. Paul Pevsner, Alliance president.  

Working closely with Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Calif., who sponsored the legislation, Alliance hosted an event in California that raised awareness among association representatives and small businesses, educating them about the substantial impact the new rule would have on their paperwork load.  "We are thankful for the leadership of Congressman Lungren and the small-business owners across the nation who rallied to support the repeal.

"A significant percentage of the Alliance's membership is small-business owners and self-employed individuals," continued Dr. Pevsner.  "If we want these entrepreneurs to drive our nation's economic recovery, we must allow them to focus on meeting payroll, hiring new employees, purchasing equipment, and innovating instead of government-mandated paperwork.  This common-sense legislation, which Democrats and Republicans in both Chambers supported, bodes well for all of our members.  The Alliance is proud to have played a role in ensuring passage of this legislation."

About Alliance for Affordable Services

Founded in 1981, Alliance for Affordable Services uses the power of the group to deliver savings on a variety of business, lifestyle, and health care benefits for approximately 75,000 members nationwide. The association's Legislative Advocacy Program keeps members informed and provides them with tools to contact their legislators and voice their opinions.  For more information about the Alliance and its legislative advocacy program, visit AffordableServices.org/advocacy or call Member Services at 800.733.2242.

SOURCE Alliance for Affordable Services