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On Feb. 11, TEBA provided testimony on the importance of ERISA in preserving a stable, pro-business environment in Tennessee.
While the dialogue was primarily centered around ERISA education, one Republican lawmaker seemed to question that businesses should be allowed to set their own benefit plans when they are self-insured, therefore paying their own claims. This is something that has always been upheld by Tennessee’s pro-business and limited government legislature.
“You know, I just have a different take on ERISA than you do,” the lawmaker said during the discussion. “I tend to think that Tennessee legislators probably have a better feel of what’s best for Tennessee businesses than what’s going on with ERISA…It’s hard for me to believe that they would have a better interest in Tennessee businesses than we do.”
Is this a signal that California-style government overreach is coming to business-friendly Tennessee?
This lawmaker’s comments stand in direct contrast to what Tennessee employers have been saying for decades: ERISA protections are vital to keeping healthcare, retirement plans, and other employer-sponsored benefits, consistent, affordable, and manageable for businesses of all sizes.
TEBA Defends ERISA on Capitol Hill
TEBA was on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to educate lawmakers about why ERISA remains one of the most important pro-business laws on the books. TEBA Chairman Michael Curcio and employee benefits attorney Susie Bilbro testified before the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, emphasizing that weakening ERISA would create costly and unnecessary burdens for Tennessee businesses—especially those operating in multiple states.
“ERISA was designed to provide uniformity so that businesses can focus on offering competitive benefits without being buried in red tape,” said Michael Curcio, Chairman of TEBA. “The idea that state lawmakers should override the voices of business owners is completely at odds with Tennessee’s pro-business reputation.”