WASHINGTON– Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) participated in a Ways and Means Committee hearing this week to discuss the unintended, and adverse consequences arising due to the 30-hour, full-time work requirement in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  Congresswoman Jenkins released the following statement:

“The 30-hour work requirement puts millions of workers at risk for reduced hours and creates a nation of part-time employees bringing further uncertainty for hardworking Americans. 

“This year, employers will have to make a very difficult decision regarding the healthcare coverage and the full time status of their employees. I’ve heard from numerous business owners who are considering reducing employees’ hours to avoid the employer mandate, and others that predict this rule will incentivize employees to work fewer hours so they qualify for taxpayer subsidies for their health care insurance.  

“I doubt these are the outcomes the President envisioned, but the sad reality is his healthcare law will encourage many Americans to be part-time employees. This will result in lower wages for employees, increased taxes on business owners, and is certainly not the right way to grow our economy.”

Click HereTo Watch the Congresswoman’s Remarks

Items to Note:The ACA mandates that employers with more than 50 full-time employees offer health coverage to their workers or be subject to new penalty taxes. The ACA changed the traditional definition of a full-time employee from the traditional 40 hours, to any employee who works at least 30 hours per week.

# # #