Ross backs bill to repeal healthcare tax

A bill to repeal part of the healthcare reform law has picked up another Democratic co-sponsor — Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.).

The bill, sponsored by Reps. Charles Boustany Jr. (R-La.) and Dan Boren (D-Okla.), would repeal the healthcare law's tax on insurance policies. The tax does not take effect until 2014.

Ross joins a small group of conservative Democrats who have co-sponsored the repeal bill, including Reps. Heath Shuler (N.C.) and Mike McIntryre (N.C.)

"Rep. Ross recognizes that the [tax] will curb capital investments and hurt employees and their families at a very difficult time in our economy,” said Susan Eckerly, senior vice president of federal public policy at the National Federation of Independent Business, which is helping to lead the repeal effort.