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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Report: Most MO Small Businesses Eligible for Health Care Tax Credit

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010   

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Help is available for small business owners in Missouri and across the country trying to grow their companies and offer benefits to employees as part of the federal health care reform law. According to a report from the health care advocacy group Families USA, almost 92 percent of Missouri small businesses are eligible for health care tax credits to help them pay for their employees' health insurance coverage.

It is welcome news for business owner and Internet website developer Kevin Morgan, who predicts it will stimulate job growth and allow him to hire skilled employees. Morgan is starting to crunch the numbers to see if health insurance is now something he can afford.

"In this environment, anything is a help. The insurance costs are one of the major stumbling blocks to hiring."

An estimated 85,000 small businesses in Missouri and four million nationwide will qualify for some or all of the tax credits. Brian Colby, director of outreach and communications for the Missouri Health Advocacy Alliance (MOAA), says small businesses pay more per employee for health insurance compared to large corporations, and the new tax credit will put an end to that disparity.

"So this is leveling the playing field and really helping the small business compete on an equal level with larger businesses. I think that's a positive thing, and it's going to help small businesses conduct their business successfully."

The tax credits are meant as a stopgap measure until 2014, when government-run health insurance exchanges will be in place to help the uninsured and small businesses buy coverage.



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