Publisher’s note

This is Independents Week – a time to celebrate the independently owned and operated businesses that are the backbone of America’s economy. The vast majority of “small” business owners are ecstatic over the Supreme Court’s decision to affirm the future of the Affordable Care Act. Once fully implemented, the ACA will allow the millions of selfemployed consultants, independent contractors, Mom and Pop shops and those with home-centered businesses to purchase health coverage as a part of a pool of individuals rather than as their own tiny group. Most now face double-digit annual rate increases and declining benefits. (And heaven help those who have a pre-existing condition; they can’t buy coverage at any price.) Over time we can improve some aspects of the ACA to make it even better. Nevertheless it is a huge step forward for this country to provide equal access to quality health care for all Americans. —Sharon Whalen, publisher