Clinton Visits Kansas to Address Small Business Concerns on Healthcare Reform

Strategic Insights -

President Clinton is set to embark on a two-day Midwest trip, where he will meet with Rep. Jim Slattery, a key undecided House member concerned about the effects of his healthcare reform plan on small businesses. Slattery, who is leaving the House to run for governor of Kansas, has expressed concerns about the employer mandate, which would require most companies to pay 80 percent of their workers' health care coverage, citing the potential impact on small business profit margins.

The 'employer mandate' is a major sticking point in Clinton's plan to guarantee universal coverage, with many small businesses arguing that it would drive them out of business. Clinton has insisted that the mandate is the best way to build on the current system, but has remained open to suggestions from small business owners on how to make the plan more palatable. The National Federation of Independent Businesses has rejected the plan, citing concerns about the mandate and mandatory employer contributions.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Clinton is set to meet with Rep. Jim Slattery, a key undecided House member concerned about the effects of his healthcare reform plan on small businesses.
  • The 'employer mandate,' which requires most companies to pay 80 percent of their workers' health care coverage, is a major sticking point in Clinton's plan.
  • Slattery's concerns about the employer mandate center around its potential impact on small business profit margins.
  • The National Federation of Independent Businesses has rejected Clinton's plan, citing concerns about the mandate and mandatory employer contributions.
  • Clinton has expressed willingness to listen to suggestions from small business owners on how to make the plan more palatable.
  • Slattery worked with Rep. John Dingell to produce an alternative health care reform bill that reduces the costs for small businesses under the Clinton plan.

Statistics:

  • 80%: The percentage of workers' health care coverage that employers would be required to pay.
  • 2 days: The length of Clinton's Midwest trip.
  • 1: The number of town meeting-style sessions on health care reform planned in Kansas City.
  • 1: The number of town meeting-style sessions on health care reform planned in Minneapolis.

Sources:

  • "President Clinton to Visit Kansas Next Week," The New York Times, April 6
  • "Clinton Visits Kansas, Plans Town Meetings on Health Care," The Washington Post, April 6
  • "Small Business Owners Look Warily at Clinton's Health Care Reform Proposal," The Wall Street Journal, March 15