We can breathe a sigh of relief that Congress will break for August without voting on health care reform.  Let's hope the American people will voice their opinions to these federal elected officials that we need to let the free market work.  We need alternatives to "Obamacare" that will not kill small business jobs and not destroy the private insurance market.

It seems some members of Congress are hearing the message loud and clear from the grassroots.  For small business owners, another tax or mandate will put them over the clif.  They just can't afford it and will lay workers off or just close their doors.  Lisa Dolan, an NCPA Advisory Council member testified last week before Congress about her situation.  She owns a private investigation and security company in Queens, New York where she employs 124 workers.  She told congress she can't afford these new mandates.  Last year her gross payroll was $3.9 million and net payroll was $2.8 million which means her payroll taxes alone were just shy of $1 million.  Adding an 8 percent penalty on workers' wages means her revenue goes down another $320,000 a year.  That is real money when you are trying to grow and expand your business.  She said that forcing her to provide health insurance for all her employees is going to drive her to raise her prices, lay people off or shut her doors.

Congress will continue to "tweak" the health care reform legislation when they go back into session after Labor Day.  Small business owners must continue to let their voices be heard on this issue. Members of congress must mull options that should include free markets and consumer choice. Otherwise, we have to worry about a government run health care system running out of money and destroying our economy.