The Senate Just Doesn't 'Get It'

摘要

Wouldn't you think it would be easier to get consensus from 100 people rather than 435? Not so, particularly in light of the recent track record of the U.S. Senate versus the U.S. House of Representatives. Consider just these three examples involving major issues of concern to the manufacturing community: Health care: Seven times the House has passed legislation allowing the creation of association health plans (AHPs) under the same federal law (Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA) that governs health benefits for large employers and unions AHPs would allow small businesses to obtain health coverage through bona fide associations (like MTI) under federal law, rather than through the state regulatory bureaucracies that have stifled competition and narrowed the range of health plan options for small employers. Through AHPs, small businesses are projected to experience a premium savings of 15 to 30 percent (and perhaps higher) and gain more health plan choices. With the latest figures showing 1.5 million uninsured individuals working for companies with fewer than 100 employees, shouldn't the U.S. Senate follow its House brethren and pass this legislation?