Survey shows small business owners want a quality public health insurance option, are willing to contribute to a system of shared responsibility.
** Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez to show support at press conference**
For Immediate Release – January 13, 2009
Contact: Sara Cullinane
718-418-7651 x238; 917-676-3210 (cell)
New York, NY.-On January 15, Small Business United for Health Care Reform, a coalition sponsored by Make the Road New York and the Main Street Alliance will release a new report titled Taking the Pulse of Main Street: Small Businesses, Health Insurance, and Priorities for Reform. The report indicates surprising levels of support among small business owners for a quality public health insurance option, a stronger role for government in making the health care system work, and a willingness among small business owners to contribute their fair share for good health care.
"As a small business owner, I’m willing to contribute for health care that puts service and value ahead of insurance industry profits," said Carmen Ledesma, owner of La Parisien Beauty Salon and Spa in Woodside, Queens. "I believe we need a quality public option so we can’t be held hostage by the industry any more." At a time when health insurers are challenging President-elect Obama’s goal to create a public plan as an alternative to private insurance, small business support is likely to be critical to advancing health care reform in 2009.
What: Press conference to release Taking the Pulse of Main Street: Small Businesses, Health Insurance, and Priorities for Reform, a major new report based on a survey of 1,200 small businesses in twelve states across the nation, including New York. The report includes state-specific breakout pages for New York detailing New York small business owners’ experiences with health insurance and perspectives on proposals for reform. The report also includes profiles of impacted business owners.
Who: Small Business United for Health Care Reform, the small business coalition working to build a new voice for New York small businesses on health care, will release the report. Local small business owners will speak, and the office of Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez will be present to show support.
When: Thursday, January 15 – 11:30am
Where: Salon Parisien Event Space at 50-15 43rd Ave; Woodside, Queens NY (7 train to 52nd st) at the corner of 50th st. and 43rd Ave.
Contact: Sara Cullinane at 917-676-3210 or sara.cullinane@maketheroadny.org