Statesville Record & Landmark - Creating Jobs

Op-Ed

By Rep Robert Pittenger

We would like to take a moment to update you on the work we're doing on your behalf in Congress to secure bright futures for hardworking Americans. The bi-partisan United Solutions caucus, which I started and co-chair, provides a forum for dialogue and cooperative efforts to get our economy back on track.

Also, it is a privilege to serve our region on the House Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over all economic issues, the banking system, housing, insurance, and securities and exchanges.

Following the election at our initial bi-partisan freshman policy briefings, I put forth time and effort to build relationships, change the tone, and have reasonable conversations. United Solutions emerged from this experience with fellow freshman members committed to searching for common ground on bringing fiscal discipline to Washington and creating jobs for the many people who've been hurting for too long.

To build and maintain good-paying jobs, we must remove unnecessary hurdles created by big government, including the Dodd-Frank financial regulations and Obamacare, which is hurting business expansion and job growth. Some of the first legislation I introduced repeals the most damaging parts of these regulations while easing access to credit for qualified borrowers, which will allow businesses to grow.

Many Dodd-Frank regulations have flown under the radar, but are a ticking time bomb that will cause serious damage to the economy. The Right to Lend Act of 2013, which I recently introduced, ensures banks are able to make loans based solely on credit worthiness. Business owners tell me they are scared by the high cost of complying with Obamacare. One provision in particular forces businesses to automatically enroll all new full-time employees into the company health plan. Because of the high turnover rate in certain sectors of the economy, most of these employees will quickly exit the plan, gaining no real benefits but saddling businesses with mountains of expensive paperwork.

My legislation would repeal this section, exempting companies with 200 employees or more and provide the needed relief to businesses with seasonal employees who do not need or want to be mandated under Obamacare. This bill has wide support across the American economy.

Please know that our Congressional office exists to serve you. Contact us in the Washington (202-225-1976) or Mooresville (704-696-8188) offices with any federal issues in which we can be of assistance.

Rep. Robert Pittenger represents N.C.'s 9th congressional district.

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