National Federation of Independent Business Launches Aggressive Campaign to Drive Healthcare Reform: Solutions ...( Small business demands solutions ...),Health

Small business demands solutions from presidential candidates, Congress

WASHINGTON, March 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business association, announced today the launch of Solutions Start Here, an aggressive healthcare campaign that will urge policymakers to deliver real and meaningful healthcare reform for small business. Kicking off the campaign, NFIB sent a letter today to the presidential candidates challenging them to develop reform proposals that support the backbone of the U.S. economy - small businesses.

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More than fifteen years ago, comprehensive reform was introduced that did not adequately consider the unique situation of small businesses. Finding real solutions requires the cooperation of diverse, bipartisan groups willing to work together for change. Over the past decade, insurance premiums have continued to increase each year, jumping 129 percent in the last eight years. Today, small business owners, a voting bloc larger than soccer moms and NASCAR dads, are insisting that action be taken to address their healthcare crisis.

"Small businesses have reached a breaking point," said Todd Stottlemyer, president and CEO of NFIB. "The presidential candidates and Congress should take note. Small business is an established and committed group that has been asking lawmakers for a healthcare solution that addresses their needs. This election we aren't just asking, we're demanding...with our vote."

Small businesses are disproportionately burdened by healthcare costs. Of the 46 million Americans without health insurance (1), more than 27 million are small business owners, their employees or their dependents (2). Under current law they don't enjoy the same tax breaks, coverage or pooling opti
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