Health Care. White House. Jody Hall. Friday.

L to R: President Barack Obama, Jody Hall, Nancy-Ann DeParle

Yup, that's right. Jody Hall, owner of this here small business, is heading off to Washington tomorrow for a roundtable discussion for small business owners with Nancy-Ann DeParle. Yes, THE Nancy-Ann DeParle, Director of the White House Office of Health Care Reform.

With the April Congressional recess over, health care reform is comin' up front and center, (see photo.) Having made it a clear priority for the session, the White House will continue its series of roundtable discussions on health care this Friday with a focus on small business. Small business owners from around the country will be meeting to talk shop with Nancy-Ann DeParle about what's the what with health care for small businesses and the millions of Americans they employ.

As our rep from the Washington Small Business for Secure Health Care Coalition (a project of Washington CAN!), Jody will be discussing the need for a public health care option to lessen the burden on small businesses who insure their employees.

She sums it up rather nicely like this:
“A public health insurance option would give us real choice and greater bargaining power, increase competition and drive down costs for everyone. Small businesses can create the jobs to help revitalize our economy. But we’ve got to get health care fixed. We need real health reform, and we need it now – this year.”

We have 51 employees here at Cupcake Royale, and as a company, we spend almost as much on insurance as we do on rent for all three stores. That's pretty nutty. And if things don't change, it'll only get worse. Insurance rates continue to climb, (ours just spiked 40% - neat!) and small business owners are being forced to purchase plans with inadequate coverage, or to drop their policies completely, adding to the millions of already uninsured and underinsured Americans. Those who continue to fork it over to private insurance companies are giving out a good chunk of dough in some pretty tough financial times. Clearly, none of this is good for anyone.

So, you tell 'em Jody! And we'll be sure to tell you all what's new as it goes down. Stay tuned.

Foe more info on the issues, check out these links.
Washington Small Business for Secure Health Care Coalition
Washington CAN!
Main Street Alliance