SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS A KEY TO EFFECTIVE HEALTH CARE REFORM

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The Legislature today passed a $433 million tax increase that House Republicans say will raise the costs of health care, expand bureaucracy and cause more Oregonians to lose their health insurance coverage. Rep. Vic Gilliam (R-Silverton) rose on the Floor to say the Legislature missed opportunities this session to enact effective health care reforms, including passing reasonable tort reforms to curb frivolous lawsuits and examining state mandates that are increasing the costs of coverage.

In this clip, Rep. Gilliam says effective health care reform starts with supporting Oregon small businesses, and enabling them to create jobs and provide affordable health insurance coverage to employees and their families. Tomorrow the House of Representatives is expected to debate an additional $733 million tax increase that will significantly hurt the small business owners and entrepreneurs who are needed for the state's economic recovery.