NASE in the News

Small Biz Health Care Roundup (12/4)

Posted by Kristin Oberlander - The context of the clips below is as follows: Democrats and Republicans are faced with mounds of amendments to the health care reform package, but leaders have narrowed down those that will be debated. As it stands, Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has warned lawmakers that an extended work schedule is likely for the next several weeks while the leaders of both parties tinker with the measure. The job for Democrats will be to continue garnering enough votes needed to reduce filibusters.

That in mind, here's a sampling of this week's top health care reform articles. If you find an article or blog that you think should be considered, drop us a line at media at NASE dot org.

• CBO Confirms Health Coverage Will Cost More After Reform [Commentary] (NASE Staff Blog) -NASE Executive Director Kristie Arslan: "With jobs and the economy a constant focus of legislators and the Administration, I find it astonishing that no one seems to care that the business community is defecting en masse, with almost all of the major business organizations and associations opposing the direction Congress is taking on reform."
• Health Care Issues: Shopping For Insurance (Associated Press) - "The House-passed bill and the legislation in the Senate would create some version of a purchasing exchange or gateway that would allow small employers and individuals not already covered by government or employer plans to shop for insurance."
• Dems Willing To Stay Through Christmas Recess To Pass Bill (Politico) - Legislators want to deliver it to Pres. Obama before the year's end.
• Senators Express Hope For A Health Reform Bill (Washington Post) - "Senators prepared to cast their first votes Wednesday on health-care reform, but even as partisan divisions hardened and contentious amendments stacked up, Democrats increasingly expressed optimism that they would succeed in passing a bill before Christmas."
• VIDEO: Key Players Ready For Health Care Debate (Associated Press)