01/31/2008
CONTACT: Tony Gagliardi, 303-831-6099 or Tony Malandra, 415-664-9685
From Tony Gagliardi, Colorado state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, America's leading small-business group
"On behalf of the thousands of small business members of NFIB/Colorado, we would like to commend the 208 Commission for its hundreds of volunteer hours spent examining the current state of health care coverage in Colorado.
"The recommendations of the 208 Commission set a base line of expectations. However, significant market reforms are needed to go along with any statutory changes to Colorado's insurance law.
"The magic questions for NFIB/Colorado's 7,500 members that need answering are how Colorado pays for these ambitious goals and how much of the cost will fall on the shoulders of small business?
"Our current system of health insurance and health care is financially unsustainable and threatens the health and financial security of the American people. Small business owners and their employees are especially vulnerable to the weaknesses of our current system. Policy reforms must be balanced on a tripod of access, affordability and cost predictability, and consumer choice. Regrettably, the affordability and cost predictability leg is missing from the commission's recommendations.
"This is not to say the commission's work has been without merit, but it is only a beginning, and a small one. NFIB is committed to being at the forefront for change. With small business employees and employers making up the largest segment of the uninsured population, it is critically important for small business to have a seat at that table. NFIB plans to bring their needs to the forefront and make everyone aware of what small business stands for."
