I own a small business in West Valley. Like many small businesses, the recession has forced us to tighten our belts due to the reduced level of business. We have worked hard to control our costs and hold down our prices in order to remain competitive.

I was horrified to learn that the annual renewal premiums for my company's health insurance plan for 2009 have shot up 19 percent. This increase follows significant increases in the past two years and comes at exactly the worst time. It appears that the lion's share of increased insurance costs are in administration and overhead expenses.

I hope that any national and state discussions of health-care reform will focus on containing these runaway increases by tackling wasteful spending and high administrative costs, which are way out of line with those in other countries.

I strongly favor the availability of quality health-care coverage for all employees, including the lower-paid occupations, but my business cannot bear the total burden anymore. Congress needs to act this year.

Comprehensive and bold health-care reform is crucial to keeping small businesses competitive and our country's economy viable.

Keith Trickett

Salt Lake City