SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Some Illinois business leaders say a proposed legislative measure would help them buy health insurance coverage for their employees starting in 2015.

Peoria Democratic Sen. David Koehler's plan would create a state-governed "insurance exchange" to allow businesses to shop for health coverage required by the national Affordable Care Act.

Larry Ivory is president of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce. He said at a news conference Tuesday that thousands of small business owners who currently can't afford premiums could shop the exchange online and buy employee health insurance.