WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) released the following statement on H.R. 2667 and 2668, bills that would delay until January, 2015, the requirements in the Affordable Care Act that businesses with 50 or more full-time employees provide pay a penalty for not providing health insurance and that individuals pay a penalty for not purchasing health insurance. The Obama administration has already announced it will delay enforcement of the employer mandate until the beginning of 2015. Esty voted in favor of both bills to delay the penalties by one year. Esty voted against a bill House Republican leaders brought up in May that would have actually repealed the Affordable Care Act.
“Make no mistake – the reforms of the Affordable Care Act are important steps forward that are already making a positive difference for folks across Connecticut and across the country. The individual mandate is a critical part of the Affordable Care Act, that has been upheld by the Supreme Court, and that I fully support.
“As I’ve said all along, while we can and should make improvements to the Affordable Care Act, repeal is not an answer. Based on the concerns I’m hearing from small business owners and folks on the ground in my district, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to allow folks an extra year to prepare and figure this out. I’m working hard to make sure my office is here as a resource to help folks in my district get enrolled and get ready as we continue to move forward with implementation.”
