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House of Representatives Moves to Protect Hourly Workers

Legislation would eliminate 30-hour work week mandate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Thursday, the House of Representatives voted to strike Obamacare’s 30-hour work week mandate and restore the traditional 40-hour definition, passing the Save American Workers Act. Congressman Brad Wenstrup, a cosponsor of the bill, says that the change would make a big difference in the availability of work for hourly employees, because currently employers are limiting hours to comply with federal mandates and costs.

“Obamacare, whether intentional or not, is limiting the number of hours Ohioans are getting at work every week. Ohioans are still struggling in this economy, and the last thing they want to hear is Washington telling them they can’t work more,” Wenstrup said. “This legislation would help increase opportunities for Ohioans looking to work hard and get ahead.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 7.2 million Americans are working part-time for economic reasons, either because of slack business conditions or they could only find part-time work. Wenstrup says the Save American Workers Act is one way to create more opportunities for Ohioans stuck in part-time positions. The bill next moves to the Senate for consideration.

 

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Office of Representative Brad Wenstrup