Small Business Leaders Seek Reform

Many Maryland and Virginia small business owners want health care reform so they can afford to insure their employees. They fear they won't be able to grow or attract good workers without it.

Brian England is the president of British American Auto Care in Columbia Maryland. The businessman provides coverage for his twenty employees. This past year he faced nine to twelve percent increases in premiums. And said he has to take on even higher costs to insure older workers.

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says Democrats want to give small businesses tax credits if they purchase insurance. "Small businesses and their employees will be among those who have the most to gain under reform." Republicans oppose mandating employers buy insurance for workers. Instead they want to let small businesses pool together their resources to purchase plans and drive down cost.

Sara Sciammacco has more from Washington...