A legislative part of the plan would require businesses and nonprofit groups with more than 20 employees to contribute $40 million.

The Congressional bill would require businesses with more than 50 employees to provide unpaid leave in family emergencies.

He required businesses to pay decent wages and safe conditions.

The bills do not require small businesses to buy health insurance.

Q. Is it proper to require small businesses, or those with people working only 17 1/2 hours or more a week, to provide health insurance?

The first phase, requiring businesses to provide services and access to people with disabilities goes into effect today.

Still, if universal coverage remains the goal, there is a strong political logic to requiring businesses to provide it.

The law requires businesses with 25 or more employees to pay at least $8.50 an hour, instead of the federal minimum of $5.15.

And it requires businesses with more than 10 employees to help cover insurance or pay into a state fund.

Many states require individuals and businesses who regularly make sales to register with the state.