September 10, 2009 — The National Restaurant Association's public affairs team, along with state restaurant association partners, launched a targeted grassroots campaign over Congress's August recess on the health care issue.

State association executives, NRA board members and other NRA members reached out to members of the Senate Finance Committee, freshman Democrats and moderate "Blue Dog" Democrats to educate them on the industry’s health care principles and encourage a bipartisan solution.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) -- who has been leading his committee's "Gang of Six" negotiating team -- continued to work the issue throughout Congress's recess. The negotiators include Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), and Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.).

Over Labor Day weekend, Baucus released an 18-page outline for a potential health-care bill. The Finance Committee framework is consistent with what the National Restaurant Association had anticipated. It proposes a health care "exchange" or marketplace for employers and employees; tax credits to help small businesses purchase health insurance; no mandate that would require employers to provide health care coverage; and an assessment or "free rider" penalty for employers with 50 or more employees, not including part-time employees. The Finance Committee measure does not propose a "public option."

The Gang of Six continues to meet on the document, and the process remains fluid.

The Finance Committee is scheduled to begin its consideration of the bill the week of Sept. 21. The National Restaurant Association anticipates legislative language will be available from the committee the week of Sept. 14.

President Obama last night addressed a joint session of Congress to make a revamped argument for passage of health care reform. His address focused on stability and security for those who already have health insurance; quality and affordability for those who do not; and ways to rein in the cost of health care for everyone.

The Association's overall strategy continues to be to express our support for health care reform consistent with our health care principles and encourage a bipartisan solution. We continue to educate members of the House and Senate on the industry's diverse makeup and our unique profile as job-providers.

House and Senate staff members have been very appreciative of our efforts and ask that the Association continue to encourage lawmakers to support the Finance Committee's efforts to find a middle ground on health care reform.

The NRA also recently launched a health care reform site at RestaurantHealthCareReformInfo.com that includes resources and grassroots tools for restaurateurs.

The Association encourages its members to write a letter, attend a meeting, go to a town hall session -- and just as important, let the Association know how your outreach went and the feedback you received. Visit the site's feedback section to give us your insights.

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