As the chairman of the Senate s Small Business Task Force, I have worked closely with Gov. Pataki to invigorate our state s economy by reducing unnecessary taxes, reducing government spending and cutting red tape. Through measures such as these, we are leading the economic revival of New York state. Without question, small business is a key part of this success. In my role as a state senator and Task Force chairman, I get the opportunity to speak with small business owners every day. During these discussions one of the most frequently mentioned problems that many business owners explain to me is that they cannot afford the cost of providing health insurance for their employees.
Many people rely on their jobs at small businesses to support themselves and their families.
Unfortunately the lack of health care coverage leaves these hard-working people vulnerable. In cases of unexpected illness or accident many employees are faced with huge medical bills and the prospect of losing their jobs if they cannot return to work. Realizing the importance of health insurance to these employees, New York state has implemented the Health Insurance Partnership Plan. This plan makes it possible for employees to have access to health insurance, which is crucial to many families in this day of skyrocketing medical costs. Under this plan, New York state will pay up to 45 percent of the health insurance costs for small businesses with 50 employees or less.