(MENAFN- EIN Presswire) EINPresswire/ -- The United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC), the leading advocate for America's 4.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses, collectively contributing over $850 billion to our nation's economy, calls on Congress and the administration to end the government shutdown, extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Javier Palomarez, USHBC President and CEO, issued the following statement:

“Main Street runs on certainty. With open enrollment beginning tomorrow November 1, letting the ePTCs expire would hike up premiums, just as families and entrepreneurs log into their health insurance marketplaces to shop for coverage. This is not theoretical; this is immediate. Congress needs to end what is now the longest-ever full government shutdown in American history, and address the ePTCs immediately, so families can afford health insurance coverage, allowing small businesses to continue to operate with confidence and stability.”

The deadline to extend the ePTCs is on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Failing to act would more than double health-insurance costs for 22 million Americans as insurers hike 2026 rates another 26%. This comes as food assistance via SNAP would lapse for more than 40 million Americans, compounding harm for working families and Main Street employers who power local economies.

Palomarez continued:

“Our position is simple and nonpartisan: Fund the government and extend the ePTCs to keep marketplace coverage affordable for small business owners, their employees, and near-retirees to prevent an unprecedented interruption in coverage that would ripple through communities and small-businesses. Maintaining affordable health coverage is a pro-growth policy that allows our nation to sustain a healthy workforce, stabilizes household budgets, and supports millions of small businesses. Only a bipartisan solution will protect families, preserve jobs, and keep our economy moving.”

The USHBC stands ready to work with congressional leaders, on both sides of the aisle, and the Trump administration to deliver a commonsense outcome that keeps Americans insured while strengthening the backbone of our nation's economy.

To learn more, follow @myushbc and @JPalomarez on X. Visit ushbc/join to become a member today.

About the USHBC
Javier Palomarez is the President & CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC). The USHBC is a leading voice for the small business community. A 501(c)6 non-profit organization, the USHBC focuses on the success of American small businesses by ensuring they have a voice in the national dialogue. The USHBC is a nonpartisan organization.

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