Last Friday, Steve met one of his old friends, Jason, for drinks. Jason is a contractor and landlord in Cleveland. But he’s struggling. Not because there isn’t enough business. Not because of law suits or drunk employees. He’s struggling, because health insurance costs are too high. Larger contractors pay less per employee. Jason can’t compete with the larger contractors.

Our neighbors with their three kids have no health insurance. They own a paving company. They have a nice home and an SUV. Middle class in all ways except for a health plan.

Small business are being ruined, despite energy and dedication, because of the costs of health. Shouldn’t they be leading the charge for universal health care?