Alaska is slightly above the national average when it comes to unemployment. The nation: 7 percent. Alaska: 7.2 percent.

Palin said "we need to promote economic growth." Jobs, jobs, jobs.

But the economy isn't growing. In fact, down-sizing is the nature of today's business - both private and government. Palin has implemented a hiring freeze and restricted non-essential purchases, as have businesses here, around the state and across the nation.

Limited spending and fiscal discipline are the marching orders.

There is less revenue, and less spending must follow.

Palin hit an economic nerve, in particular for small businesses, during her address.

The governor called for health care reform.

Palin pointed out that small-business owners "make this economy run," "do the hard work" and "create jobs."

That's true. But it becomes a challenge for businesses and their employees alike in a declining economy. Especially when the cost of doing business, offering employee benefits, such as group health care insurance, not only increases, but skyrockets.

Small businesses - perhaps big business, too - are confronted this year with astronomical health insurance premium increases, increases ranging up to and over 100 percent.

Businesses cannot afford it. Nor can employees.

Palin suggested Alaskans make healthier choices in what we consume, pointing to Alaska's natural sources of fish, meat and produce. Healthier choices should translate into better health and less need for health care, she concluded.

She's right, but businesses of all sizes need more than for the obvious to be pointed out. Business can't dictate employees' personal choices. Nor can they prevent all accidents and other situations that require medical care.

Gov. Palin, her administration and the Legislature should make health care reform a top priority this session by making it possible for small businesses to join together to acquire better health coverage at reasonably priced premiums. This is an issue that is equally important to Alaskans as energy and education.

Energy and the cost attached to it is hitting Alaskans in the pocket book. Education makes it more likely Alaskans will get better jobs. But jobs must exist to provide health care coverage, and group health insurance is a necessary benefit at businesses.

Daily the number of health-insured Alaskans declines. Fewer businesses provide coverage, and even at those that do, more employees opt out because they cannot afford even their portion of a premium, especially a premium that more than doubles in a year. If it does that in one year, think about what increases might look like over five years in a declining economy. Insurance premiums always rise, even when business doesn't.

Health care reform is a favorite topic of politicians over the past two decades. Presidents, governors, congressional delegations and legislatures talk about it. It's long past time to do something about it.

Gov. Palin recognizes the problem. She and other elected officials will do more good for this state in terms of the economy and jobs if they lead us to a health care solution.