Campaign for Better Health Care

Easy Next Steps to Take:
1. Copy one item from each of the sections below, then paste into the box at the bottom of the page
2. Use the links in the right column to find your local newspaper’s online Letter to the Editor contact
3. Paste your completed message into the paper’s letter-to-the-editor form or contact email

Our position:  The benefits to small businesses in the new health care law will allow Americans the opportunity to realize their dream of owning their own businesses. Starting this year, health reform will begin leveling the playing field for America’s entrepreneurs and protect small business employees.  This is a great step forward our country.

(Note: You can use this text as either the opening or the conclusion of your letter.)

Part 1 – The Problem

Small businesses are struggling with rising health care costs. That’s a serious problem for all of us, because small businesses are the engine of job creation in America.

The success or failure of a business should depend on innovation and hard work – not the cost of health insurance. Spiraling health care costs are forcing small business owners to choose between providing health benefits or jobs.

Small business does not have the same bargaining power as large businesses do in the insurance marketplace.  Only 41.4% of Illinois’ small businesses were able to offer their employees health insurance coverage in 2008, as opposed to over 97% of businesses with more than 50 employees.
Jump to bottom»

Part 2 – The Solution

The new law supports small businesses and American ingenuity. No longer to people have to stay in so called “safe” jobs that have health care rather than doing what Americans have always done—start a business with a little capital, a lot of elbow grease, and a good idea.

Our new law gives tax breaks to small business to help them with health care costs. These tax breaks will lighten their load so they can get back to what they do best…create jobs that will stay here at home.

The new health reform law makes it easier for small business owners to afford health insurance for their employees. It reduces costs and increases negotiating leverage by creating state pools (exchanges) that help level the playing field for small businesses and the self-employed

The benefits of the new health reform law end discriminatory practices against small businesses and the self-employed, such as denying coverage or raising rates because of health status, age or pre-existing conditions.

America’s 27 million small businesses are the backbone and engine of the US economy. Over half of the private work force takes home a small business paycheck. The ingenuity and hard work of America’s dynamic small businesses create three quarters of our new jobs year after year.  By being able to offer their employees a solid health care benefits package, our small businesses will be more competitive in the hiring marketplace.
Jump to bottom»

Part 3 – Your Thoughts (One Line)

Restate your position, use data or numbers that support your position, or briefly summarize any personal experience you have that causes you to take this position on the argument.

As a small business owner, I am thrilled that I will be able to protect my employees by offering them health coverage that my business can afford.  I will no longer have to choose between hiring and continuing health benefits for my existing employees.

As an employee of a small business, I have watched my boss struggle with the costs of health coverage.  Security for my family and I will no longer be at the mercy of these rising numbers, which means I can stop worrying about losing our coverage and get back to work.
Jump to bottom»

Part 4 – The Conclusion

The success or failure of a business should depend on innovation and hard work – not the cost of health insurance.

The new law gives ordinary people the opportunity to realize the American dream of owning their own business. Starting this year, health reform will level the playing field for America’s entrepreneurs and protect small business employees.  This is a great step forward our country.

The new health reform law provides small businesses with more health plan choices, brings fairness to the marketplace, prevents discriminatory insurance practices against small businesses and improves affordability with tax credits.  This will mean more jobs and more stability for our small businesses in Illinois – a real win for America.
Jump to bottom»

Consult the submission guidelines for the paper you wish to contact before sending your letter in, and make sure your letter is exactly at or slightly under the word count they specify. Don’t forget to proofread your letter before submitting it.  Your letter will not get printed if you don’t include contact information – name, address, phone, and email address.
^Back to top

1. Enter the text of your letter here (150 words or less):

Help us track your letters! Send a copy of your letter to Kathleen Duffy at kduffy@cbhconline.org. Please include the name of the newspaper and the date you sent the letter.