Richard Gephardt: “Yesterday, more than 340,000 small businesses came together to tell the truth about health care reform. They formed a…”

“Yesterday, more than 340,000 small businesses came together to tell the truth about health care reform. They formed a new small business coalition for health care reform--on behalf of more than 3 million hard-working Americans--builders and farmers, store-owners and salesmen, designers, and druggists. Because they believe it is time to move past all the rhetoric, all the posturing and press releases that have twisted this issue beyond recognition. The simple fact is that health care reform is good business for small business. It will save money. It will make a real difference in people's lives. They know it, and we know it. It is good for the small businesses that offer health coverage, but have to pick up the tab for their competitors who do not. It is good for the small businesses that can't afford to cover their employees, but will finally be able to do so--thanks to the big discounts they will get when reform becomes reality. And health care reform is good for the small businesses that believe decent, affordable health care is not just a line on a spreadsheet--it is our obligation as a society. The fact is, today's soaring health care costs--today's discriminatory insurance practices--are strangling millions of small businesses. They need a voice in this process. And frankly, the small business lobbyists do not speak for most of them. That is why they came out in support of health care reform.”