As a small business owner, I take exception to the way the state of Maine is marketing its Dirigo health plan.

In recent radio and television commercials, the plan has been portrayed as the answer to health care for the small business owners of this state. They actually imply that everyday service providing business owners “offered health insurance to their employees but they couldn’t afford it.” Does the state actually think that small business can attract and retain quality employees without providing quality health care coverage? Does small business need less-qualified employees than larger businesses? Many small businesses in Maine provide a better level of health care to their employees than some doctors, lawyers and even hospitals, yet they are not portrayed in the state-funded commercials as the villains.

The governor’s plan is failing, so he and the Legislature are proposing a 3 to 5 percent tax levy on private insurance, which most small businesses are already paying for, to bail out the program. More taxes.

The governor must be very proud. Once again those of us who provide health care to our employees are being railroaded into paying for the governor’s posturing. While the governor and the Legislature are patting themselves on the back, the very people who are being accused of not caring for their employees are secretly funding these follies. This is no different from borrowing money to balance the budget. It makes no sense whatsoever.

Paul Savard, president,

Fleet Truck and Refrigeration

Service Inc., Greene

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