Op/Ed: Obamacare: A Healthy Workforce is Essential to A Healthy Economy
(WASHINGTON - June 29, 2012) - As an organization, the U.S. Black Chamber, Inc. represents the interests of over 200,000 businesses -- most of which would be categorized as "small." We have watched with interest as challenges to the Affordable Care Act found their way to the Supreme Court.
To say the least, we are pleased with the Court's decision upholding the constitutionality of President Obama's historic legislation, designed to ensure the availability of all Americans to access adequate healthcare.
Small businesses face many of the same issues, and the spiraling cost of healthcare impacts them all, whether Black-owned or not. But with most of our members' employees predisposed to diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and obesity (to name a few disproportionate health concerns of African-Americans), Black-owned businesses literally succeed or fail, based on the health of the owner and his or her employees.
The Supreme Court decision is a huge victory for Americans across the country, especially the 7 million African-Americans covered by the Affordable Care Act in 2014.
Right now:
5.5 million African-Americans with private health insurance WILL KEEP their coverage for preventive services without paying an extra penny at their doctor's office.
More than 2.4 million African-American seniors with Medicare have received free preventive services such as diabetes screenings.
About 410,000 more African-American young adults who would otherwise be uninsured gained coverage due to the law.
This law is saving lives and will continue to save lives by making healthcare even more accessible and affordable.
President Obama recognizes the impact on productivity that lack of access to healthcare poses in an economy already struggling with other destabilizing factors. The U.S. Black Chamber, Inc. understands and believes that the Affordable Care Act represents significant cost-savings to our members, but more importantly, ensures access to healthcare that will ensure the long-term viability of the businesses we represent.
In the spirit of success,
Ron Busby, Sr.
President
U.S. Black Chamber, Inc.
Read more from BMORENEWS.COM
CHICAGO: Black Star Project: Commencement Remarks By First Lady Michelle Obama for Bowie State University:
But most of all, to the Bowie State University class of 2013, congratulations. (Applause.) Oh, congratulations. You don't know how proud we all are of you. Just look at you. We're so proud of how hard you worked, all those long hours in the classroom, in the library. Oh, yeah. Amen. (Laughter.) All those jobs you worked to help pay your tuition. Many of you are the first in your families to get a college degree. (Applause.) Some of you are balancing school with raising families of your own. (Applause.) So I know this journey hasn't been easy. I know you've had plenty of moments of doubt and frustration and just plain exhaustion. Read in Full >>
NEXT "EMPOWER HOUR" on WOLB 1010 AM: Chicago Mall Opens for Black Merchants: 79th Street Indoor Mall:
Cal Hodges, Walter Jones, Valencia Lindsey, Allencia Pittman, Karl Jackson "Goldbird", and Cory Mackey all assisted in putting the store together. Read in Full >>
The Glover Report: Baltimore Morehouse Grad/BPM Scholar/City Alum Leland S. Shelton Acknowledged by Pres. Obama:
Well, SPECIAL GUEST on this week’s “Empower Hour” (Tuesday, May 21 from 10-11 am on WOLB 1010 AM from Radio One Baltimore, streaming live at www.wolbbaltimore.com ) is Leland Shelton, the young man that President Obama made reference to in his speech at Morehouse's Commencement yesterday. Shelton, a 2009 graduate of Baltimore City College, is also a Black Professional Men’s Scholar.
Read in Full >>
Add a Comment
Please be civil.