Sole Proprietor Health Insurance

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July 26, 2006

The Honorable George E. Pataki

Governor of New York State

Executive Chambers – Capital Building

Albany, NY  12224

Dear Governor Pataki,

On behalf of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, representing 2,500 business members, I write today to urge your endorsement of S.6015-B and A.9308-A, the extension of the Sole Proprietor law. Your authorization of this important legislation in 2002 allowed sole proprietors access affordable health insurance through local Chambers of Commerce and associations.  This has resulted in many business owners being able to purchase health care insurance that they would otherwise be unable to access or afford. 

The recent bill (S.6015-B Seward / A.9308-A) passed by the Legislature for your signature extends this Sole Proprietor law for an additional 2 years and in addition, reduces the premium differential that these small businesses could be required to pay by 5%.  We believe that this legislation provides a valuable tool to aspiring entrepreneurs wishing to make a business investment in New York State and the Buffalo Niagara region.

The Partnership is committed to advocating for a stronger business environment in Buffalo Niagara, and will actively and avidly endorse any legislation that helps facilitate new private sector investment. We hope you will do the same by signing this important legislation into law.

Yours truly,

Andrew J. Rudnick

President & CEO