As the health care debate enters its possible final
days, HARDI is among those asking Congress to remove a provision targeting small
construction companies.
When the U.S. Senate passed its health care reform
bill in late 2009, it exempted small businesses with fewer than 50 employees
from coverage mandates, except for those in construction, where the threshold is five workers. The Heating, Airconditioning and
Refrigeration Distributors International says this provision was inserted to
favor unionized workers, and co-signed a March 8 letter to House members
asking for its removal. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association and the National Roofing Contractors Association also signed the letter.
The group fears the rules could also affect its small-member
wholesaler companies. In addition, HARDI said it remains opposed to all
versions of health care reform that have passed Congress so far.
A House vote on health care legislation
could happen as soon as Thursday.
