View of health care reform from business association

In 1912, aiming for speed and ignoring iceberg warnings was a poor strategy for the Titanic. In 2009, aiming for universal health insurance and ignoring cost warnings is equally dangerous. The Congressional Budget Office has frigid warnings on some reform efforts: estimates of as much as $1.6 trillion in new costs over 10 years, perhaps without even covering everyone. At $2.6 trillion per year and rising, healthcare spending is a threat to federal and state budgets, and big business. It’s already a nightmare for small business. We all want broader and better coverage, but reformers must ask: How can we first contain costs? Members of Congress will come home to New Jersey in the next week or two. It’s never been more important for you to reach out to them and tell them the real story about how their decision on this issue could affect your life, your livelihood and your family. Ask your representatives to talk numbers. When they tell you all the great things that will result from a particular piece of legislation, politely ask: “Will this bill lead to more spending on healthcare or less?” If you aren’t comfortable with the answer, ask for more details. Laurie Ehlbeck Director, National Federation of Independent Business/NJ www.nfib.com/NJ