As the co-owner of a small business, I’ve struggled for years to access a health insurance plan that works for my business and the needs of my small staff. I know I’m not alone.

Small businesses across the nation are facing challenges to stay competitive in this changing economy and have felt the disadvantages of not being able to offer essential benefits such as health care, in comparison to large corporations.

As small businesses struggle to stay afloat and hire and retain a workforce during a tight job market, we need help now more than ever to ensure greater access to affordable and accessible healthcare.

Congressional leaders have an opportunity to provide relief for small businesses that suffer under the burden of health care costs, through the proposed “human infrastructure” package that would invest in key issues like health care, child care, paid leave and more. And proposed tax reforms, which are included in the package, will help pay for these critical investments while leveling the playing field for small businesses like mine.

The pandemic has shone a bright light on how little large corporations pay in taxes, and I believe that every business should pay their fair share of taxes, especially since small businesses don’t have the same tax advantages as big businesses. We are long overdue for measures that will expand access to affordable and accessible health care, and we don’t have much time to waste.

Congress must pass investments in human infrastructure if they’re serious about supporting small business recovery. We’re at a crucial point for definitive action.