Health Care Bill Threatens Building Industry

As you might know, the US Senate has been working feverishly to pass the new health care reform form bill prior to Christmas. However things are not moving along as quickly as some would like. The bill needs 60 more votes to pass, so in an effort to gain votes and speed up the process, Senate Democrats have added a last-minute provision that threatens the future of the building industry.

The provision targets small construction industry firms and mandates that any firm that employs over five workers must provide all employees with health insurance. All other industries would be exempt from mandatory health coverage if they employ 50 workers or less.

If enacted, this provision would have a devastating effect on the construction industry. In a time where many small firms are struggling to simply keep their doors and employees on the payroll, this provision would prove to be a true job killer for a countless number of Americans in the industry.

NAHB Chairman, Joe Robson states, “This narrow provision is an unprecedented assault on the construction industry and unjustly targets an industry trying to keep its doors open during the worst housing downturn since the Great Depression.”

This is an important piece of legislature for the housing industry and if passed, could change the way small construction companies do business. Make sure to check back with Atlanta Real Estate Forum for all of the important news and information as it relates to the housing industry.

What are your thoughts on this new provision?