Letter: Merkley's addition to health care slapped burden on small builders

CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES/LETTERS, 12/29/2009 by Jean Nelson - "I'm shocked! In the midst of high unemployment and disappearing jobs, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon slipped another killer into Obamacare. ∴ Inserted into the "health care" bill as a "manager's amendment," so that there was no discussion and no vote, Sen. Merkley added a requirement that construction companies with more than five employees will be required to offer health insurance. ∴ Small construction companies in Oregon and in the nation will be devastated by this requirement. If this bill becomes law, every other industry with more than 50 employees must provide health insurance. ∴ Why were small construction companies singled out? That is a question that needs to be asked of Sen. Merkley. It appears to be another one of the payoffs that are so rampant throughout the health care bill. ∴ Please call Sen. Merkley's district office at 503-326-3386 and insist that this provision be removed."

Jean Nelson
Corvallis