U.S. Chamber Small Business Owner Testifies on the Need to Reform America's Health Care System

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Patricia Owen, owner of FACES DaySpa, testified on behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on the need to reform America's health care system and the challenges facing small business owners. The small business owner from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina testified before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Health.

"Small businesses are the engine that drives our nation's economy and must be a top priority for lawmakers. An overwhelming majority of firms in this country are businesses that employ less than 20 people; and 80 percent of new jobs are created by these small businesses," said Owen. "Many businesses want to offer health insurance, not only because it is a good business practice that helps them compete for good workers, but because it is the right thing to do. Congress can, and should, consider legislation that can help small business owners like me."

"For years the Chamber and businesses like mine have pushed for legislation that would provide relief by letting small businesses pool together – across state lines – to provide cost effective and accessible insurance through trade and professional associations," added Owen. "By being part of a larger group, small businesses would have greater negotiating power and would also reduce costs by having uniform standards from state to state. Another proposal with merit would be to create a national market for health insurance that would allow employers and individuals to buy insurance from a state other than their own, which would help with unnecessary state mandates and regulation. Small businesses need the freedom to purchase plans that meet their employees' needs, which means fewer mandates, less bureaucracy, and more flexibility."

Owen's entire testimony can be viewed at:

http://www.uschamber.com/issues/testimony/2008/080918_healthreform.htm

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

www.uschamber.com

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