Bucshon Votes to Delay Employer, Individual Mandates

House passes one year delays for ObamaCare’s mandate for individuals and businesses.

(Washington, DC) – On Wednesday, the House passed two bills that give Hoosiers temporary relief from the President’s healthcare law by delaying two of the law’s key components. H.R. 2667, The Authority for Mandate Delay Act, takes the lead from President Obama and delays ObamaCare’s employer mandate. H.R. 2668, The Fairness for American Families Act, will delay ObamaCare’s individual mandate providing individuals the same relief the President gave to businesses.

Representative Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-Ind.) released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 2667 and H.R. 2668:

“It is not fair to hardworking Hoosiers that the President decided to give a break to businesses from his healthcare law, but not families. Families are feeling the pinch while employers are being forced to cut full-time positions and limit employees to less than 30 hours a week.

“I consistently hear stories from businesses, school corporations, and local governments here in the 8th District that they are struggling under the law’s requirements.

“This law is unworkable for businesses and unaffordable for families. I am proud to join my colleagues to provide temporary relief to all Hoosiers while we continue working for permanent repeal of this disastrous law.”

BACKGROUND:

On July 2, 2013, the Obama Administration announced the employer mandate, a key component to the implementation of ObamaCare, would be delayed until 2015.

According to the Hill, only 12 percent of Americans support implementing ObamaCare’s individual mandate (the Hill; 7/9/13).

“Last Thursday, representatives of three of the nation’s largest unions fired off a letter to Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, warning that ObamaCare would ‘shatter not only our hard-earned health benefits, but destroy the foundation of the 40 hour work week that is the backbone of the American middle class.’” (Forbes; 7/15/13)

A recent survey published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on 2nd Quarter business outlook found that 49 percent of small business owners say the Affordable Care Act proposes challenges to their operation. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce; 7/16/13)

The survey also concluded:

· “…one-half of small businesses say that they will either cut hours to reduce full time employees OR replace full time employees with part-timers to avoid the mandate.”

· “Twenty-four (24) percent say they will reduce hiring to stay under 50 employees.”

“Seventy-one (71) percent of small businesses say the health care law makes it harder to hire.”
“Only 30 percent say they are prepared for the requirements of the law…”
You can find more information about the two bills here:

· H.R. 2667 – The Authority for Mandate Delay Act

· H.R. 2668 – The Fairness for American Families Act