(WASHINGTON) – The following is the official statement of Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa in response to the introduction today of the “Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act” by Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), which would eliminate an excise tax set to be charged on those enrolled in high-quality health care plans provided by the Teamsters and other organizations.

“Rep. Courtney’s bill stands up for working Americans. The health care excise tax set to take effect in 2018 is an onerous charge that will hit many middle-class families hard in the pocketbook, all because their health insurance is considered too good. It is unconscionable that some hardworking Americans will have to pay a 40 percent penalty on benefits they’ve fought hard to receive.

“While those pushing the tax have made it sound like it will only apply to overly generous health plans, many working families set to be affected live in high-cost areas. Their benefits are reaching the price threshold due to age, gender, geography, occupational industry and plan size. In other words, things that are beyond their control. Congress must stop the health excise tax before it hampers a majority of the U.S. workforce. I applaud Rep. Courtney for taking action to do so.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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