Chuck Hagel: “More than 95 percent of farmers and ranchers are self-employed and generally pay the full cost of their insurance…”

“More than 95 percent of farmers and ranchers are self-employed and generally pay the full cost of their insurance coverage themselves. Our bill makes a real difference to them as well. I am involved in this issue because it is vitally important to my home State of Nebraska. There are 98,000 self-employed people in Nebraska, of whom more than 10,000 are uninsured. These are real numbers. These are real people. This legislation can make a real difference for them--making their health insurance more affordable and their businesses more profitable. Every State in America has hardworking, self-employed men and women who need the tax relief and health care assistance this bill offers. I hope my colleagues will support this important effort.”