WASHINGTON, July 13 -- The National Association for the Self-Employed issued the following news release:

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is enthusiastic in its support of H.R. 6102, America's Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2012, introduced by Representative Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) and cosponsored by Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.), which provides for a permanent deduction for several key small-business tax deductions, including the health insurance deduction for the self-employed, NASE's signature legislative priority.

Since the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which included a one-year self-employment tax deduction for health insurance costs of sole proprietors, we have aggressively advocated and courted champions in both chambers. In the Senate, Senators Landrieu (D-La.) and Snowe (R-Maine) have introduced S. 2050 and in the House, Rep. Herger (R-Calif.), has introduced H.R. 880, allowing for the retroactive deduction in the 2011 tax year.

"The ability for the self-employed to deduct their health insurance costs is paramount to the survivability of nearly 21 million Americans and their businesses. As it stands, the deduction averages around $1,800 per self-employed individual and has an economic impact in the billions," stated Katie Vlietstra, NASE Director of Government Affairs. "We are pleased to have such strong support in both the Senate and the House and look forward to a day in the near future where the self-employed are treated equitability by our tax code."

The NASE urges you to call and ask your elected officials to support these three important bills. To learn more about contacting your members of Congress, please visit the NASE Legislative Action Center (http://www.nase.org/YourVoiceInDC/LegislativeActCntr.aspx).

TNS mv45 120714-3951583