A last-minute provision slipped into the health care bill currently on the Senate floor, would exclude the construction industry from the small business exemption contained within the bill. The bill would have required that businesses with at least 50 workers provide health insurance to their employees or face a $750 penalty for each worker. But, language placed in the bill at the last minute singles out the construction industry and lowers the threshold to companies with a few as five employees-meaning many small construction companies and subcontractors in Maine would be forced to pay this penalty.
According to the Maine Department of Labor, there are more than 1,000 small construction companies in Maine that employ between five and 50 workers. These companies employ more than 16,000 Mainers.
"It is outrageous that small construction companies have been unfairly singled out by this amendment," said Senator Collins. "This is yet another example of a significant policy change that is hidden in the fine print of this huge bill. It is simply unfair that small construction companies will face this stiff penalty when other small businesses will not. We should be providing tax incentives to help small contractors afford health insurance not hit them with onerous fines."
Professions affected by this amendment are: plumbers, electricians, carpenters, roofers, dry wall contractors and masons. It also affects installers of fire alarms, smoke detectors, burglar alarms, computer systems, home theaters, appliances, fireplaces, insulation, flooring, carpeting, linoleum, heating systems, air conditioning systems, doors, windows, kitchen cabinets, kitchen counters, water heaters, garage doors, satellite television dishes, and cable TV.
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