The Main Street Alliance, a network of 30,000 small businesses, released a statement on Monday criticizing the federal government shutdown and Republicans’ opposition to extending Affordable Care Act subsidies.
“Working families shouldn’t have to choose between affordable health care and a functioning government,” Richard Trent, executive director of Main Street Alliance, said in a statement. “Yet here we are again — watching lawmakers pit everyday Americans against one another while protecting tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. This isn’t fiscal responsibility; it’s moral negligence.”
Trent said small businesses are feeling the strain as families cut spending.
Main Street Alliance said it will redouble its efforts to educate lawmakers in every state on how unaffordable health care and economic insecurity are harming local economies.
“While Wall Street celebrates its first trillionaire,” Trent said, referring to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, “Main Street is tightening its belt and praying it can make rent. Until health care is affordable for every family and entrepreneur, we’ll keep lifting up the stories of those who are paying the price for Washington’s dysfunction.”
