Nonprofits seem to be making some head-way in the health reform debate. As was mentioned in our September newsletter, nonprofit organizations have been largely ignored as health reforms have been considered. It seems they are finally getting some attention.

In late October, 44 Members of Congress signed a letter in support of extending the benefits that small, for-profit business owners would receive under the healthcare bill to nonprofits.

The letter, available here, states that "As written, the tax-credit provisions included by the House to address the needs of small, for-profit businesses would not be available to small nonprofit employers."

As the majority of nonprofits in the US are small organizations, they are experiencing the same problems as for-profit small businesses in paying the rising healthcare premiums for their employees.

Tim Delaney, the president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, made the statement that "every dollar nonprofit employers pay in higher insurance premiums is another dollar taken away from delivering essential food, shelter, clothing and other vital services that people need in this devastating economy. Individuals employed by nonprofits should not be penalized because they work for public good rather than private gain."

By reducing healthcare costs for nonprofit employers, it would indeed greatly benefit the public at large, by allowing nonprofits to devote a large percentage of their revenue towards the programs and causes they support – something of particular importance during a recession. Nonprofit organizations play an essential role in rebuilding communities, and this letter and support marks a significant step in the right direction for the health reform debate.