Negative Reactions from Local Small Business - WLNS TV 6 Lansing - Jackson | Your Local News Leader

Just under 50 full-time employees sling sandwiches at Lansing's Jersey Giant Subs.

The owner had hopes of expanding in the near future, but today's ruling ruined those plans.

"That's the kind of program, that is like putting a dagger through the heart of a small business, and any hope of growth," said Britton Slocum, the owner of Jersey Giant Subs.

That's because the Affordable Care Act requires businesses with the equivilant of 50 or more full-time employees to provide health insurance.

Slocum says adding jobs means he'd pay about $30-36,000 dollars in health care costs a month.

"What that's going to do is take that $7 sandwich, to a $10.50 sandwich. Because I just don't have enough customers," Slocum said.

State groups say other small businesses may weigh the options and decide not to provide the benefit.

"A lot of employers are doing the math today. And the math is, the fine per employee is $2,000. The cost of insurance is well beyond that. Financially, it might bet better to drop my health insurance," said Rob Fowler, the president of the Small Business Association of Michigan.

And while they realize there are people out there who desparately need the coverage, business owners like Slocum say Thursday's decision is disappointing.