View From the Capitol - Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler's Newsletter for the Week of September 23-27, 2013

Good Day,

As of this writing, the next phase of the ObamaCare health care takeover is set to take effect on October 1st, with the launch of the new health insurance exchanges for individuals.

It has been more than three and a half years since ObamaCare was jammed through Congress, and Americans are painfully learning more about the hostile takeover of the best health care system in the world. Although multiple reports of computer glitches and pricing uncertainties with the exchanges have surfaced, the Obama Administration has decided to march forward, anyway. The Administration has buckled due to criticism from major companies and has ordered a one year delay for the employer mandate, But it has refused to grant any relief for average Americans who are now forced to comply with a law that is confusing, at best, and unworkable, at worst.

ObamaCare is an obstacle to the growth of small businesses as employers are keeping payrolls under 50 employees to avoid expensive compliance requirements that are triggered when 50 or more workers are employed. The unintended consequence is that businesses considering expanding have put those plans on hold. Additionally, employers are cutting hours to avoid ObamaCare’s 30-hour full time trigger that forces employers to provide government approved health insurance or face heavy fines. This is an unacceptable recipe for economic turmoil.

It’s bad enough that this law is not ready for prime time; if left intact, over the next decade, ObamaCare will impose at least $500 billion in new taxes on the American people. Clearly, the Affordable Care Act is neither affordable nor caring. The people of Missouri’s 4th District deserve better.

The need for Congress to be in session in Washington forced a change of plans regarding one of the annual events I have participated in since my first year representing citizens of Missouri’s Fourth District. I was pleased to serve as Honorary Host of the 2013 Missouri Business Conference at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, even though I was summoned to Washington and was unable to personally attend this year’s gathering.

The event went on with experts from industry, business owners, and innovators sharing their expertise through panel discussions. As a small business owner, I am fully aware of the long days and hard work needed to make a business a success. I thank all of the panelists who shared their stories of entrepreneurial success with the 300 or so people who attended this event.

On another matter, I had the pleasure of spending time with the Army’s 308th Psychological Operations Unit, based in Belton. It was Family Day – a chance for members of the unit to welcome family and friends for a picnic.

I spoke to the Reservists, providing them with a brief update on current events, the military’s budget with its defense drawdowns and cutbacks, and proposed changes in education and retirement benefits. I thank all our men and women in uniform for the sacrifices they and their families make on a daily basis to protect our country and keep us free.

Have a great week.

Vicky