"A recent bipartisan poll asked 1,000 Americans what worries them most about the economy. The top response -- overwhelmingly -- was "rising health-care costs," with nearly 1 in 3 people listing that as their top economic concern. We must all constantly remind ourselves that the true crisis in health care -- and in the economy as a whole -- is the skyrocketing cost of health insurance.

"Those in the small-business community who are insured are struggling each year to afford the cost of increasing premiums. It's for this reason that I support legislation...that would create Association Health Plans.

"Like most small-business owners, I'm a networker. To be competitive on Main Street, you have to be. I seek out organizations that provide educational seminars and discounts on goods and services, and I know that AHPs...would be great...for small-business owners like me.

"Now, I'm a salesperson, not a health policy expert, but I do know that there is much debate about how to insure more Americans and how to help those currently insured continue to afford their coverage. To me, AHPs...are (a) good, common-sense solution to controlling the cost of quality health care."

President, E. Smith & Associates, testifying before the House Committee on Small Business, Feb. 6, 2002