The same week that Ford Motor Co. officials announced plans to cut up to 30,000 jobs and close 14 plants, U.S. Sen. Jim Talent visited the Reardon Machine Co. in St. Joseph. There is an important connection.

The Missouri Republican came to town recently to promote his proposed legislation that would create association health plans that could shrink the number of uninsured Americans. His bill promises to reduce the costs of health insurance for small businesses by 10 percent to 20 percent.

"There's almost no downside to the bill," Mr. Talent said during his visit. "There's no cost to the taxpayer. It's not a government program as such. It just empowers small business people."

The legislation would allow national trade organizations to sponsor the plans. This would create larger customer pools and make health benefits more affordable for association members.