Rep. Rob Andrews, chair of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions, last night discussed the Government Accountability Office finding that 40 executives at ten high-profile corporations that terminated their workers’ pensions collected at least $350 million in compensation in the years leading to pension termination. The investigation was requested by Rep. George Miller, chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee.
Recently in Labor
The Committee has a full schedule this week, including:
November 17: Hearing on how employer paid sick leave policies can help slow the spread of contagious diseases, like the H1N1 flu virus.
November 19: Hearing to review current federal literacy initiatives and explore ways to improve the reading comprehension skills of all children from birth through high school.
Note: The previously-scheduled Committee vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act has been postponed.
November 17: Hearing on how employer paid sick leave policies can help slow the spread of contagious diseases, like the H1N1 flu virus.
November 19: Hearing to review current federal literacy initiatives and explore ways to improve the reading comprehension skills of all children from birth through high school.
Note: The previously-scheduled Committee vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act has been postponed.
The Wall Street Journal's Blog highlights our hearing from on economic opportunities for young Americans last week.
While there are big concerns about unemployment and underemployment for young Americans, there is a silver lining.
The unemployment rate for 16 to 19-year-olds hit 25.9% in September, the highest rate recorded since at least 1948 (the earliest data the Labor Department supplies).
Lately, their plight hasn’t been falling on deaf ears. The House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing earlier this week to address low unemployment among young people.
“Indeed, because of the horrible economy, younger workers are now competing with more experienced workers for positions traditionally [in] the domain of the young and less experienced,” Rep. George Miller, a California Democrat and the committee chairman, said according to prepared remarks. “Until the economy as a whole turns around, younger workers will continue to be hit the hardest.”
While there are big concerns about unemployment and underemployment for young Americans, there is a silver lining.
At least things don’t appear to be getting worse for the 20-somethings lately. The unemployment rate for 20 to 24-year-olds dropped to a still-high 14.9% in September. It’s the second month the group’s unemployment rate decreased.We encourage you to read the entire blog post, as well as view the testimony from the hearing, visit the hearing page and view the pictures.
Today, the House Education and Labor will eold a hearing to examine the impact on declining rate of youth employment and strategies to ensure that there are economic opportunities available for young Americans.
While the recession has disproportionately impacted young adults, the employment rate among 16 to 24 year-olds has steadily declined by nearly 20 percent over the past decade to its lowest level since World War II. The consequences of reduced work opportunities among young Americans results in fewer long-term employment prospects, less earnings and a decrease in productivity.
The hearing page has a complete list of all witnesses, testimony, statements, videos, photos and an archived webcast.
While the recession has disproportionately impacted young adults, the employment rate among 16 to 24 year-olds has steadily declined by nearly 20 percent over the past decade to its lowest level since World War II. The consequences of reduced work opportunities among young Americans results in fewer long-term employment prospects, less earnings and a decrease in productivity.
The hearing page has a complete list of all witnesses, testimony, statements, videos, photos and an archived webcast.
(This is blog post is by Rep. George Miller, CA-07, Chair of the House Education and Labor Committee)
My Labor Hero is recently departed Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
Throughout his career, he fought for the most basic of American values – the protection the most vulnerable in our society and a fair deal for all our working men and women. With Senator Kennedy’s death, we have a moment to reflect on these values and why he felt strongly about ensuring that every American worker is treated with dignity and respect.
Over the past 35 years, I have had the opportunity to work with him; to have him as a mentor and count him as friend. Our work together has been immensely valuable to me. I cannot express how important Senator Kennedy’s commitment, his courage, and leadership was in fighting for the most important causes of our time.
In the Senate, he led the fight to raise the minimum wage, extend unemployment insurance, protect workers’ pensions, pass the Family Medical Leave Act, improve workers safety, ensure equal pay for equal work, and making access to affordable health care a basic right for all Americans.
The fight is not yet complete on some of these priorities. But, Senator Kennedy will continue to be an inspiration for all of us who must now pick up his cause and continue to endeavor to improve the lives of all working Americans.
My Labor Hero is recently departed Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
Throughout his career, he fought for the most basic of American values – the protection the most vulnerable in our society and a fair deal for all our working men and women. With Senator Kennedy’s death, we have a moment to reflect on these values and why he felt strongly about ensuring that every American worker is treated with dignity and respect.
Over the past 35 years, I have had the opportunity to work with him; to have him as a mentor and count him as friend. Our work together has been immensely valuable to me. I cannot express how important Senator Kennedy’s commitment, his courage, and leadership was in fighting for the most important causes of our time.
In the Senate, he led the fight to raise the minimum wage, extend unemployment insurance, protect workers’ pensions, pass the Family Medical Leave Act, improve workers safety, ensure equal pay for equal work, and making access to affordable health care a basic right for all Americans.
The fight is not yet complete on some of these priorities. But, Senator Kennedy will continue to be an inspiration for all of us who must now pick up his cause and continue to endeavor to improve the lives of all working Americans.
(This is a guest blog post by Rep. Rush Holt, NJ - 12th)
On Labor Day, we pay tribute to the men and women who have formed the backbone of our nation’s economy. We honor those who have fought to strengthen and expand the rights of all employees to ensure they receive fair compensation and are assured of strong workplace safety laws. They are as recognizable as Samuel Gompers, the first and longest-serving president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), and as anonymous as the millions who every day go to work to provide for their families and contribute to our nation’s prosperity.
On this Labor Day, my Labor Hero is Mary Norton, who represented Central New Jersey in Congress from 1925 to 1950 and served as Chair of the House Committee on Labor from 1937 to 1946. As the first woman to represent an eastern state in the House of Representatives, Ms. Norton helped enact the groundbreaking Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 – which established the 40-hour work week, outlawed child labor, and established the first federal minimum wage – and fought for equal pay for women. Last year I had the honor of joining Chairman Miller and others in unveiling the portrait of Ms. Norton in Committee. Her tireless advocacy serves as inspiration for me as we continue the struggle for fair wages and equal pay for equal work.
On Labor Day, we pay tribute to the men and women who have formed the backbone of our nation’s economy. We honor those who have fought to strengthen and expand the rights of all employees to ensure they receive fair compensation and are assured of strong workplace safety laws. They are as recognizable as Samuel Gompers, the first and longest-serving president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), and as anonymous as the millions who every day go to work to provide for their families and contribute to our nation’s prosperity.
On this Labor Day, my Labor Hero is Mary Norton, who represented Central New Jersey in Congress from 1925 to 1950 and served as Chair of the House Committee on Labor from 1937 to 1946. As the first woman to represent an eastern state in the House of Representatives, Ms. Norton helped enact the groundbreaking Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 – which established the 40-hour work week, outlawed child labor, and established the first federal minimum wage – and fought for equal pay for women. Last year I had the honor of joining Chairman Miller and others in unveiling the portrait of Ms. Norton in Committee. Her tireless advocacy serves as inspiration for me as we continue the struggle for fair wages and equal pay for equal work.
(This is a guest blog post by Rep. Raul Grijalva, AZ - 7th)
When I think of my heroes who have fought for labor rights, there is no question: Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez are a source of personal inspiration for me and organizing power for the movement to this very day.
Dolores and Cesar inspired me to get involved in organizing at the community level. They showed that with solidarity, organization, and vision, even the most oppressed and marginalized sectors of society can change their circumstances for the better. They did this with a philosophy of non-violence, of commitment to struggle, of truly Christian concern for others.
Dolores, in particular, stayed engaged, and is engaged to this day, while having raised twelve children, and pursues a schedule that even they would find exhausting. And yet she only seems to get stronger as the years go by.
When I think of my heroes who have fought for labor rights, there is no question: Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez are a source of personal inspiration for me and organizing power for the movement to this very day.
Dolores and Cesar inspired me to get involved in organizing at the community level. They showed that with solidarity, organization, and vision, even the most oppressed and marginalized sectors of society can change their circumstances for the better. They did this with a philosophy of non-violence, of commitment to struggle, of truly Christian concern for others.
Dolores, in particular, stayed engaged, and is engaged to this day, while having raised twelve children, and pursues a schedule that even they would find exhausting. And yet she only seems to get stronger as the years go by.
(This is a guest blog post by Rep. Mazie Hirono, HI - 2nd)
Patsy Takemoto Mink is not just my Labor Hero; she is a personal hero of mine. Patsy was an inspiration to me as she was to many working people throughout the country. She came by her commitment to labor honestly. Patsy’s four grandparents emigrated from Japan in the late 1800’s to work as contract laborers in Maui’s sugar plantations. Patsy saw firsthand why workers need protection, and why they need to band together to get it.
It was that firsthand knowledge that made Patsy work so hard—tirelessly and from the heart—to make sure that those who work hard for a day’s pay are treated fairly. She wouldn’t sit still and watch people be mistreated. Congressman George Miller, the Chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, put it best when he said of Patsy, “whether on the environment, or education or labor issues, Patsy was a moral filter for the Congress.”
Another reason Patsy inspires me so greatly is because she wasn’t just passionate (although she certainly was), but she was really smart. She put all of the pieces together to make sure that workers were protected. She fought against hiring and pay discrimination, and she also worked to make sure that when people were out of work they were still protected. She fought for a welfare system that truly helped people receive the training and child care services they need to move back into the workplace.
Patsy was the whole package, and it is my honor to represent the district she used to serve in Congress.
Patsy Takemoto Mink is not just my Labor Hero; she is a personal hero of mine. Patsy was an inspiration to me as she was to many working people throughout the country. She came by her commitment to labor honestly. Patsy’s four grandparents emigrated from Japan in the late 1800’s to work as contract laborers in Maui’s sugar plantations. Patsy saw firsthand why workers need protection, and why they need to band together to get it.
It was that firsthand knowledge that made Patsy work so hard—tirelessly and from the heart—to make sure that those who work hard for a day’s pay are treated fairly. She wouldn’t sit still and watch people be mistreated. Congressman George Miller, the Chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, put it best when he said of Patsy, “whether on the environment, or education or labor issues, Patsy was a moral filter for the Congress.”
Another reason Patsy inspires me so greatly is because she wasn’t just passionate (although she certainly was), but she was really smart. She put all of the pieces together to make sure that workers were protected. She fought against hiring and pay discrimination, and she also worked to make sure that when people were out of work they were still protected. She fought for a welfare system that truly helped people receive the training and child care services they need to move back into the workplace.
Patsy was the whole package, and it is my honor to represent the district she used to serve in Congress.
(This is a guest blog post by Rep. Phil Hare, IL - 17th)
In his 1977 farewell speech to the Minnesota AFL-CIO, just months before his passing, Hubert Humphrey reflected on the optimism and determination required to achieve social change: “Too many people in politics today are afraid…Well, I knew they wouldn’t go for civil rights in 1948, I knew they wouldn’t go for Medicare in 1949, I knew they wouldn’t go for the Peace Corps in 1958…but ultimately, they did. If you are going to be in politics, you have to be a soldier in the battlefield.”
Humphrey’s commitment to public service, civil rights, and the American labor movement inspired Congressman Phil Hare to join the fight for better pay, benefits, and conditions for America’s workers.
Congressman Hare’s appreciation and admiration of Hubert Humphrey stem from his lifetime of achievements that have benefited ordinary Americans. From his early days as mayor of Minneapolis to his service as U.S. Senator and Vice President, Humphrey fought to end racism, which became the cornerstone of his legacy. His impassioned speech at the 1948 Democratic Convention made his convictions about racial equality in America known, and brought the issue to the forefront of the Presidential election despite criticism from Southern Democrats who were displeased with his Civil Rights platform.
Humphrey’s instrumental work on the Humphrey-Hawkins Act helped to better define America’s economic goals and stressed the importance of full employment, citing the value of a hard day’s work to society and the economy. Included in the Humphrey-Hawkins Act was a provision prohibiting discrimination against workers based on gender, race, religion, age, or national origin. Hare is now fighting to extend the same protections to those discriminated on the basis of sexual orientation
Congressman Hare’s own roots as a factory worker for 13 years in Illinois give him a special appreciation for the efforts Humphrey made on behalf of the American worker. Humphrey’s integrity, passion and conviction to protect the rights of all Americans have made a lasting impression on Congressman Phil Hare who wishes to recognize Hubert Humphrey as his Labor Hero on this Labor Day.
In his 1977 farewell speech to the Minnesota AFL-CIO, just months before his passing, Hubert Humphrey reflected on the optimism and determination required to achieve social change: “Too many people in politics today are afraid…Well, I knew they wouldn’t go for civil rights in 1948, I knew they wouldn’t go for Medicare in 1949, I knew they wouldn’t go for the Peace Corps in 1958…but ultimately, they did. If you are going to be in politics, you have to be a soldier in the battlefield.”
Humphrey’s commitment to public service, civil rights, and the American labor movement inspired Congressman Phil Hare to join the fight for better pay, benefits, and conditions for America’s workers.
Congressman Hare’s appreciation and admiration of Hubert Humphrey stem from his lifetime of achievements that have benefited ordinary Americans. From his early days as mayor of Minneapolis to his service as U.S. Senator and Vice President, Humphrey fought to end racism, which became the cornerstone of his legacy. His impassioned speech at the 1948 Democratic Convention made his convictions about racial equality in America known, and brought the issue to the forefront of the Presidential election despite criticism from Southern Democrats who were displeased with his Civil Rights platform.
Humphrey’s instrumental work on the Humphrey-Hawkins Act helped to better define America’s economic goals and stressed the importance of full employment, citing the value of a hard day’s work to society and the economy. Included in the Humphrey-Hawkins Act was a provision prohibiting discrimination against workers based on gender, race, religion, age, or national origin. Hare is now fighting to extend the same protections to those discriminated on the basis of sexual orientation
Congressman Hare’s own roots as a factory worker for 13 years in Illinois give him a special appreciation for the efforts Humphrey made on behalf of the American worker. Humphrey’s integrity, passion and conviction to protect the rights of all Americans have made a lasting impression on Congressman Phil Hare who wishes to recognize Hubert Humphrey as his Labor Hero on this Labor Day.
Rather than highlight a story in the media, today the Committee would like to acknowledge individuals who best exemplify the qualities celebrated on Labor Day. All throughout the day, Members of the Committee will be posting stories about their Labor Heroes. These Labor Heroes come from all walks of life and have positively impacted their families, neighbors, and friends.
We encourage you to share your Labor Hero in the comments here or on Twitter with the hashtag #LaborHero.
Who is your Labor Hero and why?
We encourage you to share your Labor Hero in the comments here or on Twitter with the hashtag #LaborHero.
Who is your Labor Hero and why?
The big economic news for today is that the jobless rate has dipped to 9.4% in July, down 0.1% from June.
Specifically, the Committee is pleased to see the efforts in key areas are working.
Employers throttled back on layoffs in July, cutting just 247,000 jobs, the fewest in a year, and the unemployment rate dipped to 9.4 percent, its first decline in 15 months.Although the unemployment number is still too high, it is headed in the right direction. This improvement is validation that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is working.
Specifically, the Committee is pleased to see the efforts in key areas are working.
- Modernizing our schools and universities – creating green jobs
- Investing in early education
- Helping states prevent teacher layoffs and other critical public sector jobs
- Training workers for 21st century jobs
- Creating service and volunteer opportunities to rebuild America
I am proud to announce that millions of Americans will receive a much-needed pay raise today.
Almost four and a half million workers in 31 states will see a bigger paycheck when the federal minimum wage increases from $6.55 per hour to $7.25 per hour. This is the final of three increases to be implemented under a law enacted by the Democratic Congress in 2007.
This law provided the first minimum wage increase in a decade for our lowest-paid workers and their families. The buying power of the minimum wage had fallen to a 51-year low, and families were struggling with rising housing costs, unpredictable energy bills, and skyrocketing health care premiums.
We have seen where the low road of low wages and rising inequality leads – to an unbalanced, unhealthy, and unsustainable economy.
Today’s pay raise comes as even more Americans are struggling to make ends meet and provide for their families.
Unlike tax cuts for the wealthy, a higher minimum wage increases consumer spending on local businesses, which is good for everyone. In fact, a recent study by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago found that every dollar increase in the minimum wage leads to an $800 increase in spending per quarter by families with minimum wage workers.
The Economic Policy Institute estimated that this increased purchasing power will boost consumer spending by more than $5.5 billion over the next 12 months. This increase will provide millions of families with about $120 in extra monthly income to help pay their grocery bills or fill up their cars.
Especially in this economy, Congress will continue to look at solutions that will help all Americans build a better life for themselves and their families.
Almost four and a half million workers in 31 states will see a bigger paycheck when the federal minimum wage increases from $6.55 per hour to $7.25 per hour. This is the final of three increases to be implemented under a law enacted by the Democratic Congress in 2007.
This law provided the first minimum wage increase in a decade for our lowest-paid workers and their families. The buying power of the minimum wage had fallen to a 51-year low, and families were struggling with rising housing costs, unpredictable energy bills, and skyrocketing health care premiums.
We have seen where the low road of low wages and rising inequality leads – to an unbalanced, unhealthy, and unsustainable economy.
Today’s pay raise comes as even more Americans are struggling to make ends meet and provide for their families.
- Three-quarters of those who will benefit from this wage increase are 20 years old or older.
- More than half are families with yearly incomes of less than $35,000.
- Over sixty percent of them are women, and over 400,000 of them are single parents with kids under 18. And over two million children will benefit from this boost in their parents’ wages.
Unlike tax cuts for the wealthy, a higher minimum wage increases consumer spending on local businesses, which is good for everyone. In fact, a recent study by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago found that every dollar increase in the minimum wage leads to an $800 increase in spending per quarter by families with minimum wage workers.
The Economic Policy Institute estimated that this increased purchasing power will boost consumer spending by more than $5.5 billion over the next 12 months. This increase will provide millions of families with about $120 in extra monthly income to help pay their grocery bills or fill up their cars.
Especially in this economy, Congress will continue to look at solutions that will help all Americans build a better life for themselves and their families.
Organizations Supporting H.R. 3200, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act
- AARP
- AFL-CIO
- American Academy of Nursing
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- American College of Physicians
- American College of Surgeons
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
- American Medical Association
- American Nurses Association
- American Osteopathic Association
- American Psychiatric Association
- American Public Health Association
- Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
- Communications Workers of America
- Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
- Consumers Union
- Doctors for America
- Families USA
- Healthcare for America Now
- International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
- International Association of Fire Fighters
- Main Street Alliance
- National Association of Community Health Centers
- National Breast Cancer Coalition
- National Coalition on Health Care
- National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
- National Medical Association
- National Women’s Law Center
- SEIU
- United American Nurses
- United Auto Workers
- United Steelworkers
- YMCA
Please note: This bill has been superseded by the Affordable Health Care for America Act [H.R. 3962], which blends and updates the three versions of previous bills passed by the House committees of jurisdiction in July.
The Chairmen of the three Committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced comprehensive health care reform legislation on July 14 that will reduce out-of-control costs, encourage competition among insurance plans to improve choices for patients, and expand access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. (CBO confirms the bill is deficit-neutral over the 10-year budget window, and even produces a $6 billion surplus.)
The America’s Affordable Health Choices Act is consistent with President Obama’s overall goals of building on what works within the current health care system by strengthening employer-provided care, while fixing what is broken. The bill will ensure that 97 percent of Americans will be covered by a health care plan that is both affordable and offers quality, standard benefits by 2019.
The House Committees on Education and Labor, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce have been working together in an unprecedented way as one committee to develop the proposal for health care reform. (The Education and Labor Committee passed H.R. 3200 on July 17, 2009; the Ways and Means Committee passed H.R. 3200 on July 17, 2009; the Energy and Commerce Committee pass H.R. 3200 on July 31, 2009.)
The key principles of legislation include, among other things:
America's Affordable Health Choices Act: Summary »
America's Affordable Health Choices Act: Section by Section »
America's Affordable Health Choices Act: As Reported »
What's In the Health Care Reform Bill for You? »
Myth vs. Facts »
The Health Insurance Exchange »
Public Health Insurance Option »
Shared Responsibility »
Guaranteed Benefits »
Making Coverage Affordable »
Consumer Protections and Insurance Market Reforms »
Employers and Health Reform »
Delivery System Reform »
Protecting Program Integrity by Preventing Waste, Fraud and Abuse »
Strengthening Medicare »
Improving the Medicare Part D Drug Program »
Maintaining and Improving Medicaid »
Preventing Disease and Improving the Public's Health »
Controlling Health Care Costs »
Paying for Health Care Reform »
Health Care by the Numbers »
Education and Labor Chairman George Miller's Statement »
White House Statement on the House Discussion Draft for Health Care Reform »
The Chairmen of the three Committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced comprehensive health care reform legislation on July 14 that will reduce out-of-control costs, encourage competition among insurance plans to improve choices for patients, and expand access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. (CBO confirms the bill is deficit-neutral over the 10-year budget window, and even produces a $6 billion surplus.)
The America’s Affordable Health Choices Act is consistent with President Obama’s overall goals of building on what works within the current health care system by strengthening employer-provided care, while fixing what is broken. The bill will ensure that 97 percent of Americans will be covered by a health care plan that is both affordable and offers quality, standard benefits by 2019.
The House Committees on Education and Labor, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce have been working together in an unprecedented way as one committee to develop the proposal for health care reform. (The Education and Labor Committee passed H.R. 3200 on July 17, 2009; the Ways and Means Committee passed H.R. 3200 on July 17, 2009; the Energy and Commerce Committee pass H.R. 3200 on July 31, 2009.)
The key principles of legislation include, among other things:
- Increasing choice and competition.
- Giving Americans peace of mind.
- Improving quality of care for every American.
- Ensuring shared responsibility.
- Protecting consumers and reducing waste, fraud and abuse.
America's Affordable Health Choices Act: Summary »
America's Affordable Health Choices Act: Section by Section »
America's Affordable Health Choices Act: As Reported »
What's In the Health Care Reform Bill for You? »
Myth vs. Facts »
The Health Insurance Exchange »
Public Health Insurance Option »
Shared Responsibility »
Guaranteed Benefits »
Making Coverage Affordable »
Consumer Protections and Insurance Market Reforms »
Employers and Health Reform »
Provisions that Benefit Small Businesses »Strengthening the Nation's Health Workforce »
Delivery System Reform »
Protecting Program Integrity by Preventing Waste, Fraud and Abuse »
Strengthening Medicare »
Improving the Medicare Part D Drug Program »
Maintaining and Improving Medicaid »
Preventing Disease and Improving the Public's Health »
Controlling Health Care Costs »
Paying for Health Care Reform »
Health Care by the Numbers »
Education and Labor Chairman George Miller's Statement »
White House Statement on the House Discussion Draft for Health Care Reform »
Check back for additional updates
Support for the HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act »
Support for the HR 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act »
Today at 2:45pm Eastern time, House Democrats will discuss the health care reform legislation introduced by the Tri-Committees (the House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor Committees). The three panels with jurisdiction over health policy in the House have been working together as one committee to develop a single bill that fulfills President Obama’s goals of reducing health care costs, protecting and increasing consumers’ choices, and guaranteeing access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
A new study released today by the Economic Policy Institute that concludes that claims of massive jobs losses if a ‘play-or-pay” proposal was enacted as part of health care reform are vastly overstated. In fact, health care reform in general, based on the Obama principles, would produce significant job gains, the EPI wrote.‘Play or pay’ policy as a part of health care reform would require that employers either provide health insurance to their workers or pay a penalty as a percentage of their payroll in order to assist low- or moderate-income families to obtain quality and affordable health care.
Under the House Tri-Committee discussion draft proposal, employers who choose not to provide basic health insurance to workers would have to pay an 8 percent penalty based on their overall payroll. Those workers would then be able to choose a plan that best meets their needs from a menu of insurance options in the national health care exchange, which would include both private plans and a public health insurance option.
The EPI also found that past studies that claim significant job losses as a result of ‘play-or-pay’ were based on proposals not on the table today in either the House or the Senate.
View the EPI analysis of ‘play-or-pay’.
Key Conclusions from the EPI report
What about other studies that show significant job losses associated with play-or-pay?
More information on the Tri-Committee discussion draft.
- “It is highly unlikely that a health care reform package including a play-or-pay policy will lead to job losses. On the contrary, such policy reform is likely to cause significant boost to employment.”
- “In short: concerns over job losses from comprehensive health care reform proposals that include play-or-pay employer contribution are overstated and unfounded.”
- “Moreover, it is likely that the positive effects on employment from health care reform will surpass by several orders of magnitude any modest job losses caused by a play-or-pay policy considered in isolation, providing a substantial boost for the U.S. economy and U.S. workers.”
What about other studies that show significant job losses associated with play-or-pay?
- “Prior studies instead modeled a requirement that all employers provide private health insurance to their employees. With average costs of compliance of 40% of payroll or more for employers facing such a requirement, it is not surprising that those prior studies found much larger effects on employment that would be expected from a play-or-pay policy with a cost of compliance of just 4-8% of payroll.”
More information on the Tri-Committee discussion draft.
A majority of American workers rely on 401(k)-style plans to finance their retirements. According to an AARP survey, the vast majority of account holders report that they do not know how much Wall Street middle men are taking from their retirement accounts.
These hidden fees can greatly reduce workers’ retirement account balances. In fact, just a 1-percentage-point in excessive fees can reduce a worker’s 401(k) account balance by as much as 20 percent or more over a career. Especially during these difficult economic times, workers need simple and complete information in order to make better educated decisions about their retirement plans.
Workers also deserve investment advice regarding their employer-sponsored retirement plan that is independent and free from any conflicts of interest. Protections against providing conflicted investment advice were watered down by the Pension Protection Act and a midnight proposal rushed through by the Bush administration’s Department of Labor. These actions opened the door for financial services companies to provide advice to employees where they had a direct or indirect financial interest.
The 401(k) Fair Disclosure and Pension Security Act (H.R. 2989), passed by the Committee on June 24, 2009, would, among other things, address hidden fees and restore workers' protections against conflicted investment advice. H.R. 2989 would:
These hidden fees can greatly reduce workers’ retirement account balances. In fact, just a 1-percentage-point in excessive fees can reduce a worker’s 401(k) account balance by as much as 20 percent or more over a career. Especially during these difficult economic times, workers need simple and complete information in order to make better educated decisions about their retirement plans.
Workers also deserve investment advice regarding their employer-sponsored retirement plan that is independent and free from any conflicts of interest. Protections against providing conflicted investment advice were watered down by the Pension Protection Act and a midnight proposal rushed through by the Bush administration’s Department of Labor. These actions opened the door for financial services companies to provide advice to employees where they had a direct or indirect financial interest.
The 401(k) Fair Disclosure and Pension Security Act (H.R. 2989), passed by the Committee on June 24, 2009, would, among other things, address hidden fees and restore workers' protections against conflicted investment advice. H.R. 2989 would:
- Require 401(k) plans to disclose fees in one dollar figure taken from participants accounts in a worker’s quarterly statement;
- Require 401(k) service providers and plan administrators to disclose fees charged on 401(k) plans broken down into four categories: administrative fees, investment management fees, transaction fees, and other fees;
- Help workers understand their investment options by providing basic investment information, including information on risk, return, and investment objectives;
- Require plan administrators to offer at least one low-cost index fund to plan participants in order to receive protection against liability for participants’ investment losses;
- Require service providers to disclose financial relationships so companies that sponsor 401(k) plans can make sure there are no conflicts of interest;
- Ensure that if workers get investment advice through their jobs, that advice be based on the workers’ needs – not the financial interest of those providing the advice;
- Provide adjustments to pension funding rules to ensure plans can weather the economic crisis without being forced to choose between cutting jobs or freezing plans.
On Wednesday, June 24, the House Education and Labor Committee will vote on legislation to ensure that American workers have clear information about fees that could be cutting deeply into their 401(k)-style retirement savings.
The 401(k) Fair Disclosure and Pension Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2989) is new legislation that combines provisions from the recently approved fee disclosure and investment advice bills (H.R. 1984 and H.R. 1988). The bill also includes modest adjustments to pension funding rules in order to ensure plans can weather the economic crisis without being forced to choose between cutting jobs or freezing plans.
WHAT:
Mark-up of H.R. 2989 “The 401(k) Fair Disclosure and Pension Security Act of 2009”
WHO:
The House Education and Labor Committee
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
10:30 a.m. EDT
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »
WHERE:
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
The 401(k) Fair Disclosure and Pension Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2989) is new legislation that combines provisions from the recently approved fee disclosure and investment advice bills (H.R. 1984 and H.R. 1988). The bill also includes modest adjustments to pension funding rules in order to ensure plans can weather the economic crisis without being forced to choose between cutting jobs or freezing plans.
WHAT:
Mark-up of H.R. 2989 “The 401(k) Fair Disclosure and Pension Security Act of 2009”
WHO:
The House Education and Labor Committee
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
10:30 a.m. EDT
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »
WHERE:
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
Below are the prepared remarks of Chairman George Miller at a press conference with the chairs of the other committees with health policy jurisdiction at the U.S. House of Representatives to unveil the Tri-Committee Discussion Draft for Health Care Reform.
Today marks a historic moment in America’s urgent quest to fix our broken health insurance system.
For the past six months, our three committees -- the committees that have jurisdiction over health care in the House -- have worked together in an unprecedented manner to develop and present a health care reform discussion draft to Congress and the American people that embodies President Obama’s call for fundamental change in our health care system.
President Obama asked us to draft a reform bill that will control costs, guarantee choice, and ensure quality and affordable health coverage for all Americans.
I believe that our draft lives up to those essential principles. Our discussion draft reflects months of hard work and the views of many of our colleagues.
Today marks a historic moment in America’s urgent quest to fix our broken health insurance system.
For the past six months, our three committees -- the committees that have jurisdiction over health care in the House -- have worked together in an unprecedented manner to develop and present a health care reform discussion draft to Congress and the American people that embodies President Obama’s call for fundamental change in our health care system.
President Obama asked us to draft a reform bill that will control costs, guarantee choice, and ensure quality and affordable health coverage for all Americans.
I believe that our draft lives up to those essential principles. Our discussion draft reflects months of hard work and the views of many of our colleagues.
We’ve met with our respective Democratic and Republican committee
members, with our Senate colleagues, with the CBO, and with administration officials in an open and collaborative process.
To further this open and collaborative process, our three committees will hold hearings on this draft starting next week.
After the July Fourth district work period, our committees will then work to make refinements to the draft, vote on it, and send a bill to the House floor.
This is truly exciting news.
The House decided to use this unified approach because we recognized that our ability to succeed at health care reform rests in our ability to work together.
We know that inside-the-beltway turf battles will not advance reforms.
We believe that in order to change America’s health care system, Congress itself must change.
When the voters elected Barack Obama President, they did not only send a message that the White House must change.
They sent an equally strong message to the Congress that we must work together for the common good of our nation.
They told us that we will not be rewarded for standing on the sidelines or for raising every conceivable argument against taking action.
Americans will judge us, and rightly so, by our willingness and our determination to cooperate and focus on the ultimate and necessary goal of reforming our health care system so that it works not just for the few but for everyone in our country.
That is why the approach that the three of us have taken in this process is one of the key factors that makes this year the year that we will finally fix our broken health care system.
The current path is unsustainable. No one disagrees with that.
Health care premiums have spiraled out of control – dealing a crushing blow to families and businesses alike and placing our fiscal future in peril. Rising costs are unsustainable.
President Obama is absolutely correct when he says that health care reform is essential to the health of our nation and the strength of our economy.
In fact, health care reform is the single greatest tool to reduce runaway budget deficits.
Our discussion draft is the first step in building a truly American solution that will reduce costs, offer real choice, and guarantee affordable, quality health care for all.
It will build a health care system that emphasizes keeping Americans healthy, not waiting until they become sick to get treated.
In the coming weeks, our committees will continue to seek input from all the stakeholders, the American people, and all members of Congress.
But let me say again that we must and we will continue to move forward. If there is one thing that is ‘off of the table’ it is saying ‘no’ to health care reform.
There is not one child, not one worker, not one employer, nor one taxpayer who can further bear the cost of doing nothing.
I am confident that we have the ability to respond to their needs.
I’d like to thank Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, the rest of our Democratic Leadership, and all of our Caucus for giving us the support and input we’ve needed to develop this uniquely American solution for finally bringing quality, affordable health care to our country.
To further this open and collaborative process, our three committees will hold hearings on this draft starting next week.
After the July Fourth district work period, our committees will then work to make refinements to the draft, vote on it, and send a bill to the House floor.
This is truly exciting news.
The House decided to use this unified approach because we recognized that our ability to succeed at health care reform rests in our ability to work together.
We know that inside-the-beltway turf battles will not advance reforms.
We believe that in order to change America’s health care system, Congress itself must change.
When the voters elected Barack Obama President, they did not only send a message that the White House must change.
They sent an equally strong message to the Congress that we must work together for the common good of our nation.
They told us that we will not be rewarded for standing on the sidelines or for raising every conceivable argument against taking action.
Americans will judge us, and rightly so, by our willingness and our determination to cooperate and focus on the ultimate and necessary goal of reforming our health care system so that it works not just for the few but for everyone in our country.
That is why the approach that the three of us have taken in this process is one of the key factors that makes this year the year that we will finally fix our broken health care system.
The current path is unsustainable. No one disagrees with that.
Health care premiums have spiraled out of control – dealing a crushing blow to families and businesses alike and placing our fiscal future in peril. Rising costs are unsustainable.
President Obama is absolutely correct when he says that health care reform is essential to the health of our nation and the strength of our economy.
In fact, health care reform is the single greatest tool to reduce runaway budget deficits.
Our discussion draft is the first step in building a truly American solution that will reduce costs, offer real choice, and guarantee affordable, quality health care for all.
It will build a health care system that emphasizes keeping Americans healthy, not waiting until they become sick to get treated.
In the coming weeks, our committees will continue to seek input from all the stakeholders, the American people, and all members of Congress.
But let me say again that we must and we will continue to move forward. If there is one thing that is ‘off of the table’ it is saying ‘no’ to health care reform.
There is not one child, not one worker, not one employer, nor one taxpayer who can further bear the cost of doing nothing.
I am confident that we have the ability to respond to their needs.
I’d like to thank Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, the rest of our Democratic Leadership, and all of our Caucus for giving us the support and input we’ve needed to develop this uniquely American solution for finally bringing quality, affordable health care to our country.
Updated: for the most up-to-date information on health care reform, please visit our page about HR 3200, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act.
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On June 19, the chairmen of the three committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled their discussion draft for health care reform. The draft would reduce out-of-control costs, improve choices and competition for consumers and expand access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. It would also guarantee that almost every American is covered by a health care plan that is both affordable and offers quality, standard benefits by 2019. More from the press conference »
Consistent with President Obama’s goals, the draft builds on what works in the current health care system by strengthening employer-provided care, while fixing what is broken with it. The draft would cover more Americans than any other proposal released to date.
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On June 19, the chairmen of the three committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled their discussion draft for health care reform. The draft would reduce out-of-control costs, improve choices and competition for consumers and expand access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. It would also guarantee that almost every American is covered by a health care plan that is both affordable and offers quality, standard benefits by 2019. More from the press conference »
Consistent with President Obama’s goals, the draft builds on what works in the current health care system by strengthening employer-provided care, while fixing what is broken with it. The draft would cover more Americans than any other proposal released to date.
Support for the House Tri-Committee Health Reform Discussion Draft
Today at 1:00 pm EDT, the chairmen of the House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor Committees will unveil their discussion draft for health care reform. The three panels with jurisdiction over health policy in the House, have been working together as one committee to develop a single bill that fulfills President Obama’s goals of reducing health care costs, protecting and increasing consumers’ choices, and guaranteeing access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
The House Education and Labor Committee will hold a hearing on Tuesday, June 23 on the draft proposal for health care reform developed by the House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor Committees. The draft proposal is designed to achieve President Obama’s goals of controlling health care costs, preserving health care choices, and ensuring quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
WHAT:
Hearing on “The House Tri-Committee Draft Proposal for Health Care Reform”
WHO:
Panel I:
Dr. Christina Romer, Chair, Council of Economic Advisers, Washington, DC
Panel II:
John Arensmeyer, Chief Executive Officer, Small Business Majority, Sausalito, CA
Dr. Jacob Hacker, Professor and Co-Director of the Berkeley Center on Health, Economic, and Family Security, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Ron Pollack, Founding Executive Director, FamiliesUSA, Washington, DC
Gerald Shea, Assistant to the President, AFL-CIO, Washington, DC
Fran Visco, President, National Breast Cancer Coalition, Washington, DC
Additional Witnesses TBA
Panel III:
Dr. Fitzhugh Mullan, Murdock Head Professor of Medicine and Health Policy, George Washington University, Washington, DC
Karen Pollitz, Research Professor and Project Director of the Health Policy Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
William Vaughn, Senior Health Policy Analyst, Consumers Union, Washington, DC
Celia Wcislo, Assistant Division Director, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Boston, MA
ReShonda Young, Small Business Owner, Alpha Express, Inc. on behalf of the Main Street Alliance, Waterloo, IA
Additional Witnesses TBA
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
12:00 p.m. EDT
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »
WHERE:
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
WHAT:
Hearing on “The House Tri-Committee Draft Proposal for Health Care Reform”
WHO:
Panel I:
Dr. Christina Romer, Chair, Council of Economic Advisers, Washington, DC
Panel II:
John Arensmeyer, Chief Executive Officer, Small Business Majority, Sausalito, CA
Dr. Jacob Hacker, Professor and Co-Director of the Berkeley Center on Health, Economic, and Family Security, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Ron Pollack, Founding Executive Director, FamiliesUSA, Washington, DC
Gerald Shea, Assistant to the President, AFL-CIO, Washington, DC
Fran Visco, President, National Breast Cancer Coalition, Washington, DC
Additional Witnesses TBA
Panel III:
Dr. Fitzhugh Mullan, Murdock Head Professor of Medicine and Health Policy, George Washington University, Washington, DC
Karen Pollitz, Research Professor and Project Director of the Health Policy Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
William Vaughn, Senior Health Policy Analyst, Consumers Union, Washington, DC
Celia Wcislo, Assistant Division Director, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Boston, MA
ReShonda Young, Small Business Owner, Alpha Express, Inc. on behalf of the Main Street Alliance, Waterloo, IA
Additional Witnesses TBA
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
12:00 p.m. EDT
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »
WHERE:
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
The Conflicted Investment Advice Prohibition Act of 2009 (H.R. 1988)
would restore federal safeguards that ensured that investment advice
provided to workers on their employer-sponsored retirement plan be
independent and free from any conflicts of interest. Unfortunately,
these protections were watered down with the approval of the Pension
Protection Act of 2006 and former Bush administration Department of
Labor midnight proposed regulations. These actions opened the door for
financial services companies to provide advice to employees where they
had a direct or indirect financial interest. The Conflicted Investment
Advice Prohibition Act will restore workers’ protections by laying out
clear rules to ensure that workers who receive investment advice at
work be based on interests of the account holder’s needs, not Wall
Street’s pockets.
The Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee will be voting on H.R. 1988 tomorrow.
The Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee will be voting on H.R. 1988 tomorrow.
On Wednesday, June 17, the Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee of the House Education and Labor Committee will vote on two bills to improve workers’ retirement security: The 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act (H.R. 1984), legislation to ensure that American workers have clear and complete information about fees that could be cutting deeply into their 401(k)-style retirement savings; and the Conflicted Investment Advice Prohibition Act of 2009 (H.R. 1988), which would ensure that if workers receive investment advice at work, it be free from conflicts of interest.
WHAT:
Mark-up of H.R. 1984, “The 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act” and H.R. 1988, “The Conflicted Investment Advice Prohibition Act of 2009”
WHO:
The House Education and Labor Committee
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
10:30 a.m. EDT
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »
WHERE:
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
WHAT:
Mark-up of H.R. 1984, “The 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act” and H.R. 1988, “The Conflicted Investment Advice Prohibition Act of 2009”
WHO:
The House Education and Labor Committee
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
10:30 a.m. EDT
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »
WHERE:
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
The House Workforce Protections Subcommittee will hold a hearing on Thursday, June 11 to examine proposals for expanding workers’ access to paid family and sick leave. While more than 80 percent of Americans support having paid sick days, the U.S. is the only country among the 22 nations ranked high in economic and human development that doesn’t guarantee paid sick leave to workers.
The FIRST Act, H.R. 2339, provides grants to the states to implement and improve their paid family leave programs. Healthy Families Act, H.R. 2460, mandates that businesses with 15 or more employees provide up to 7 days of paid sick days to their employees.
The FIRST Act, H.R. 2339, provides grants to the states to implement and improve their paid family leave programs. Healthy Families Act, H.R. 2460, mandates that businesses with 15 or more employees provide up to 7 days of paid sick days to their employees.
WHAT:
Hearing on “H.R. 2339, the Family Income to Respond to Significant
Transitions Act, and H.R. 2460, the Healthy Families Act”
WHO:
U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), sponsor H.R. 2460,
Healthy Families Act
Rajiv Bhatia, director, Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA
Deborah Frett, CEO, BPW Foundation, Washington, DC
Debra Ness, president, National Partnership for Women, Washington, DC
Sandra Poole, deputy director, California Employment Development Department Disability Insurance Branch
Additional Witnesses TBA
WHEN:
Thursday, June 11, 2009
10:00 a.m., EDT
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »
WHERE:
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
Note: This hearing will be webcast live from the Education and Labor Committee website. Access the webcast when the hearing begins at 10:00 am EDT »
Hearing on “H.R. 2339, the Family Income to Respond to Significant
Transitions Act, and H.R. 2460, the Healthy Families Act”
WHO:
U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), sponsor H.R. 2460,
Healthy Families Act
Rajiv Bhatia, director, Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA
Deborah Frett, CEO, BPW Foundation, Washington, DC
Debra Ness, president, National Partnership for Women, Washington, DC
Sandra Poole, deputy director, California Employment Development Department Disability Insurance Branch
Additional Witnesses TBA
WHEN:
Thursday, June 11, 2009
10:00 a.m., EDT
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »
WHERE:
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
Note: This hearing will be webcast live from the Education and Labor Committee website. Access the webcast when the hearing begins at 10:00 am EDT »
In the second installment of our Meet the Freshmen series, Rep. Paul Tonko of New York shares with us why he wanted to be on the committee, what he hopes to achieve and what he has learned so far.
On Thursday, May 7, the Committee will hold a hearing to examine how federal agencies can help child care, schools, colleges and workplaces prepare for the H1N1 flu virus and future pandemics. The hearing will also provide an update on how schools and workplaces are being affected by and responding to the current outbreak.
WHAT:
Hearing on “Ensuring Preparedness Against the Flu Virus at School and Work"
WHO:
Jordan Barab, Acting Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and
Health Administration, Washington, DC
Ann Brockhaus, Occupational Safety and Health Consultant, ORC Worldwide, Washington, DC
Jack O'Connell, Superintendent of Public Instruction, California Department of Education, Sacramento, CA
Miguel Garcia, Registered Nurse and member, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Los Angeles, CA
Bill Modzeleski, Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary, Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, Department of Education, Washington, DC
Dr. Anne Schuchat, Deputy Director for Science and Program (Interim), Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA
WHEN:
Thursday, May 7, 2009
10:00 a.m. ET
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »
WHERE:
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
WHAT:
Hearing on “Ensuring Preparedness Against the Flu Virus at School and Work"
WHO:
Jordan Barab, Acting Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and
Health Administration, Washington, DC
Ann Brockhaus, Occupational Safety and Health Consultant, ORC Worldwide, Washington, DC
Jack O'Connell, Superintendent of Public Instruction, California Department of Education, Sacramento, CA
Miguel Garcia, Registered Nurse and member, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Los Angeles, CA
Bill Modzeleski, Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary, Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, Department of Education, Washington, DC
Dr. Anne Schuchat, Deputy Director for Science and Program (Interim), Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA
WHEN:
Thursday, May 7, 2009
10:00 a.m. ET
Please check the Committee schedule for potential updates »
WHERE:
House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
Hear Chairman Miller talk about the importance of being prepared for a pandemic flu virus at work and school on the Ed show.
Below is information for workers, families, schools and employers about how to protect our communities by reducing the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.
What is the H1N1 Flu?
General information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the H1N1 flu (commonly mis-referred to as "swine flu"), including what the H1N1 flu is, how it spreads and how to take care of people sick with it »
School Preparedness
Checklists and other tools to help schools, child care providers, colleges and universities to delay or reduce the spread of the flu virus »
Workplace Preparedness
Checklists and other guidance for businesses and employers to protect employees' health and safety while limiting negative impacts to the economy and society »
More information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration »
Family Preparedness
Advice and strategies to delay or reduce the spread of the flu virus »
Your Rights in the Workplace
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires public agencies, all public and private elementary and secondary schools, and companies with 50 or more employees to provide an eligible employee with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year for reasons, including caring for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition, and taking medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.
More about FMLA »
What is the H1N1 Flu?
General information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the H1N1 flu (commonly mis-referred to as "swine flu"), including what the H1N1 flu is, how it spreads and how to take care of people sick with it »
School Preparedness
Checklists and other tools to help schools, child care providers, colleges and universities to delay or reduce the spread of the flu virus »
Workplace Preparedness
Checklists and other guidance for businesses and employers to protect employees' health and safety while limiting negative impacts to the economy and society »
More information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration »
Family Preparedness
Advice and strategies to delay or reduce the spread of the flu virus »
Your Rights in the Workplace
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires public agencies, all public and private elementary and secondary schools, and companies with 50 or more employees to provide an eligible employee with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year for reasons, including caring for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition, and taking medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.
More about FMLA »