NFIB Joins Divided We Fail

Top executives of the groups that make up Divided We Fail – AARP, Business Roundtable and SEIU – announced on November 1st that the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) joined the effort to make access to quality, affordable health care and long-term financial security top issues in the national political debate.

"NFIB's alliance with Divided We Fail demonstrates that we're taking all the steps necessary to change the political climate to fix our nation's health-care system," said Todd Stottlemyer, President and CEO of NFIB. "Small business owners, their employees and dependents make up the largest segment of the uninsured population and we simply can't say that health care is our top priority and be content with the stalemate over reform. As a member of this coalition we plan to raise the national debate to a new level and get policymakers focused on providing solutions to address what has become a national crisis for America's job creators."

"Divided We Fail now represents more than 53 million Americans who are part of a movement to influence the political debate on critical domestic issues that affect their daily lives," said AARP CEO Bill Novelli. "We are leading a national push for solutions based on shared responsibility-the role of the individual, government, and the private sector."

Divided We Fail launched nationally in January 2007 and has worked to engage the American people, elected officials and the business community to find broad-based, bi-partisan solutions to the most compelling domestic issues facing the nation – health care and the long-term financial security of Americans.

"When business leaders, labor, and consumer advocates can set aside their differences and stand together to demand change, anything is possible," said Andy Stern, President of SEIU. "The health care movement continues to grow, and the people of this country have no more patience for partisan bickering and gridlock. It's time for Washington to act now."

"As the political season heats up, candidates, policymakers, and the administration need to continue finding bipartisan solutions to the nation's health care crisis," says John Castellani, president of Business Roundtable. "The inclusion of NFIB in our coalition illustrates that both large and small employers have a vested interest in reforming our health care system so it works for everyone in America."

With NFIB on board, Divided We Fail will be continuing to secure pledges from members of Congress and the presidential candidates in support of the effort. And in the near future, members and representatives of Divided We Fail are planning appearances for top level speeches at economic clubs nationwide; activities in the early primary and caucus states; events throughout New York State; and co-sponsoring and speaking at a November Financial Security Pension Conference.