Jan Meyers: “The number one issue on their minds was health care reform. Many of these entrepreneurs--recognize as exemplary small…”

“The number one issue on their minds was health care reform. Many of these entrepreneurs--recognize as exemplary small business owners from their respective States--said they have seriously looked at the President's health care reform proposal, looked at their bottom line, and they simply could not survive the mandate. As the winner from my State of Kansas said to me at lunch on Tuesday, Congresswoman Meyers, I've run the numbers and we just can't do it. Eight percent of payroll completely wipes out our profit margin--and our profits don't just go into our pockets, after taking out a wage for my wife and myself, our profits are in our inventory--put back into our business. Mr. Speaker, it is time the administration and those pushing employer mandates stop trying to "sell" their employer mandate, and actually listen to our Nation's employer--small business. Numerous, reputable studies show that mandated, employer-provided health insurance will cause substantial job loss. Small business owners want reforms in our Nation's health care system that will help them to provide health insurance coverage for their employees. However, cramming a mandate down their throats is not the solution.”