The U.S. House of Representatives March 25 passed the Health Care Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 – also known as the reconciliation package – which makes changes to the Affordable Health Care for America Act signed into law March 23 by President Barack Obama.
The reconciliation package removes the Merkely Amendment language in the existing law, which specifically singled out the construction industry by altering the small business exemption so that it applies to only those firms with 5 employees or less – compared to the 50 employee threshold for other industries. However, it still raises taxes while failing to address the rising costs of health care. ABC sent a letter to all Senators March 24 speaking out against the reconciliation package.
“Congress should not be congratulated for its equitable treatment of an industry currently experiencing upwards of 27 percent unemployment,” the letter stated. “In the worst economy in decades, it is unfathomable that anyone could think this sort of vast financial imposition on employers is either prudent or viable.”
Following the House passage of the health care reform bill March 21, ABC issued a statement opposing the soon-to-be law, due in part to the negative effect increased taxes and sweeping mandates contained in the health care bill would have on employment, especially in the construction industry.
“The only thing historic about the health care reform bill is the record level of taxes and federal government mandates placed on America’s construction industry,” said ABC President and CEO Kirk Pickerel.
For more information, contact Kristen Swearingen at ABC, swearingen@abc.org.