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NFIB Members Shape Healthcare Debate

The intense debate over healthcare reform, mixed with the rising temperatures of the summer season, has recently made Washington, D.C. feel like a pressure cooker. With so much going on, it was only a matter of time before that cooker burst, spilling over into the hundreds of congressional town halls and community meetings taking place across the country this month.
 
Fortunately, our members are eager and prepared to engage their lawmakers in their home districts and the results thus far have been outstanding – countless productive discussions have already taken place, providing members of Congress with a better understanding of the small business perspective on healthcare.
 
There’s no question that many of these discussions can grow to be heated. The issues are huge and the stakes have never been higher for small business. But as is the case time and time again, our members have made it clear that they want solutions that improve access, increase choice and lower costs, not actions that will make the current situation worse.
 
One of the many examples of this month’s outreach efforts occurred in Indianapolis, Ind. After an especially productive discussion with U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee), NFIB member Joseph Grossbauer commented, “This was a great first meeting for me and I look forward to building upon this relationship with Sen. Bayh in the future. Being able to meet face-to-face was a way for me to get my message, and that of other small businesses, heard in Washington. "
 
Lawmakers have taken notice that our members represent the real world and have specifically requested private meetings with them to hear their personal stories. Members are either leaving their offices or cutting short well-deserved vacations in order to speak directly with their elected officials. Few organizations can make that same claim or find a better seat at the table.
 
If you have already attended a meeting, thank you for getting involved at the grassroots level. If you haven’t, it’s not too late for you to contact your lawmaker and determine if they will be visiting your area for a town hall meeting. Between now and Labor Day, it’s critical that we continue to engage members of Congress and not lose the momentum we have generated over the past few weeks in shaping the most important policy debates. If you need more information go to www.FixedForAmerica.com.
 
 
This is especially true in regards to healthcare. The battle is slowly turning in our favor, as proposals to build a government-run public plan have been exposed for what they really are - a road to a single-payer healthcare system. We can’t allow the equally devastating employer mandate proposal to remain a possible part of healthcare reform. Use your voice at upcoming town hall and community meetings to tell your lawmaker that an employer mandate on small businesses will kill jobs and revenue at a time we can least afford it.
 
The August congressional recess has shown yet again the influence of our powerful grassroots network. Your participation is critical in maintaining this influence and your efforts are greatly valued.   
 

Thanks for all you do.


Dan Danner
President and CEO
National Federation of Independent Business