05/12/2006
Dear Members,
Last night, the United States Senate voted by a 55-43 margin in favor of proceeding to a final vote on Small-Business Health Plan legislation. Unfortunately, on a bill like this one, it now effectively takes 60 votes to move legislation in the United States Senate. On the positive side, we were able to get a solid 55-vote majority in favor of passing legislation this year to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for small-business men and women across America.
While we are, of course, disappointed about not getting to 60 votes, we need to stop—albeit just for a moment—and highlight what we’ve been able to accomplish so far, thanks to the tireless efforts of you—our members—and the NFIB staff. For the first time, Small-Business Health Plan legislation made it out of a Senate committee and on to the Senate floor. Prior to Thursday’s action, NFIB delivered 450,000 petitions from NFIB members and other small- and independent-business owners, and NFIB members and other small-business owners generated 40,000 calls and letters in recent days, urging the Senate to enact Small-Business Health Plans. It's because of you, we can and do make a difference.
These are significant accomplishments worth highlighting. At the same time, we are redoubling our efforts and developing a plan to find those remaining votes to get us to 60. Because of the Senate schedule, it is unlikely, although not impossible, that this legislation will come back to the Senate floor again this year. As a result, the November elections become even more important. You can play a critical role by holding Senate candidates accountable for their votes on Small-Business Health Plans when you go to the polls.
You have spoken loudly and clearly on this issue—you need access to affordable health insurance. Yesterday's vote was just round three of what may be a 15-round fight. But it's a fight worth making and continuing, because we know that you and the rest of our members are depending on us.
Thank you for being a member of NFIB.
Todd Stottlemyer
President and CEO
National Federation of Independent Business
