For More Information:

 

Jim Duffett 217.840.5850
Jess Lynch 773.332.0971

April 18, 2007

Businesses and Consumers Unite in Favor of Health Care Reform
Small businesses from across the state say Illinois Chamber doesn't represent them

 

Springfield, IL:  Over 100 consumers and Illinois businesses united to protest the backwards, short-sighted and regressive economic position that the Illinois Chamber of Commerce has taken regarding health care reform. "The Illinois Chamber and other voices for big business don't speak on behalf of my small business," asserted Becky Knott, of Bushnell, IL, "The top issue confronting my business is the double digit increases in health care costs."  

"If we do nothing, as the Chamber proposes, Illinois families and businesses will be burdened with an additional $15.6 Billion in unnecessary health care costs in just the next four years, " said Jim Duffett, Executive Director of the Campaign for Better Health Care.  

The crowd of businesses and consumers agreed that the Chamber seems to have lost sight of the core American values of fairness and taking responsibility.  Business owner Armondo deMarcos from Champaign articulated, "The advocates for big business seem more interested in protecting the bottom line of major corporations than they care about protecting my small business.  The reality is that the current system is unfair and puts my company at a competitive disadvantage."  

"The Illinois Chamber needs to know that the people of Illinois will not stand by while they attempt to impose a 'Do Nothing Tax Increase' on working families and businesses by not addressing skyrocketing health insurance premiums," stated Duffett, "The time is now for a comprehensive reform plan to fix our broken health care system."  

Rona Spano of American Income Life proclaimed, "As a company, we are hopeful that a successful execution of this plan will become a national model - making health care accessible and affordable for all."  

A report released by Dr. Ken Thorpe on Tuesday shows that Illinois does indeed have the opportunity to be a national leader in utilizing health care reform measures to ensure that health care will be affordable for everyone.  Under the Illinois Covered proposal, every dollar invested would produce two dollars in savings for Illinois consumers and businesses.

Small business owner Marge Corwin of Rushville expressed the hope that she has for this legislative session, "Healthcare costs continue to skyrocket and as a business owner, it has become nearly impossible for me to keep up, but Illinois Covered offers a solution at a lower cost."

In opposing the Illinois Chamber's "Do Nothing" position, the coalition of businesses and consumers called on the General Assembly to take action and enact comprehensive health care reform in order to save billions of dollars for Illinois families and businesses and ensure that all Illinoisans are able to access affordable, quality health care.

 

Statements from Illinois business people:

 

Edmond Brown, ELB Enterprises, Inc
East St. Louis, IL 

"The Governor is asking all business to pay their fair share.  The result will be a more educated and productive workforce.  Quality health care and education are important to me both as an individual and as business owner trying to compete in a global market."


Marge Corwin, Always Something New
Rushville, IL

"Health care costs continue to sky rocket and as a business owner, it has become nearly impossible for me to keep up, but Illinois Covered offers a solution at a lower cost.  It's unfortunate that the Illinois Chamber is fighting against my small business and the access to affordable health care that me and my employees so desperately need,"


Armondo deMarcos, M and M General Contracting
Champaign, IL

"The advocates for big business seem more interested in protecting the bottom line of major corporations than they care about protecting my small business.  The reality is that the current tax system is unfair and puts my company at a competitive disadvantage,"


Jenny Fuller, Early Explorations
Edwardsville, IL

"The success of my business depends on an educated workforce, Governor Blagojevich is making very important investments today that will pay incredible dividends in the future.  He is helping create a stronger future for Illinois by providing billions of dollars for education and the results will be crystal clear with our children's generation,"


Barry Geogehegan, Barry's American Cycles
Champaign, IL

"One of my biggest challenges in running a small business is rapidly escalating health care costs.  These are benefits that my employees depend on and I'm committed to providing, but the higher prices are making it more and more difficult.  Illinois Covered allows me to better manage these costs, and this is important for the competitiveness of my company,"


Becky Knott, Knotts, Muscles & More
Bushnell, IL

"The Illinois Chamber and other voices for big business don't speak on behalf of my small business.  The top issue confronting my business is the double digit increases in health care costs.  We must address this issue that is hurting my small business and my ability to recruit good workers."


Jerry Minor, A-Quality Cleaning Service
Rockford

"It's troubling to learn that many of the largest and most profitable businesses in Illinois pay less in taxes than I do as a small business owner.  It is time to make a change to our tax structure so that there is a level playing field for all businesses,"


Nate Rockhold & Ed Rockhold & Joe Ryner, R Cubed Technology
Galesburg, IL

"As the part owner of a technology company, I know how important it is to receive a strong education from day 1 of preschool.  As a father and husband, I know what a safety net quality health insurance can be.  The Governor's budget proposal will help provide both of these priorities and that is a very good thing."  

 

 

Sam Smith, Sam's Barber Shop 
Bushnell, IL

"The Governor's budget proposal is the whole package.  It provides a concrete plan for access to quality healthcare for everyone in Illinois and billions of dollars for education.  But most importantly, it includes a fair way to pay for it, so you know its not political double talk.  The Governor's GRT tax means everyone pays their fair share...big or small."
 

Rona Spano, American Income Life

"American Income Life wholeheartedly supports the efforts of Gov Blagojevich to provide every citizen of Illinois with health care. As a company we are hopeful that a successful execution of this plan will become a national model -- making health care accessible and affordable for all."