Tag: Congress

DOJ Won’t Defend the ACA Individual Mandate and Related Provisions

The Trump administration has decided not to defend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) individual mandate, or certain provisions it considers to be inseparable from the mandate, from an ongoing constitutional challenge. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has asked the court hearing the case to declare these provisions invalid as of January 1, 2019.

sexual harassment

TCJA Creates Catch-22 for Sexual Harassment Settlements

One of the primary concerns addressed through the #MeToo movement is that claims of sexual harassment in the workplace are often settled discreetly and without scrutiny. For years, employers have resolved sexual harassment claims with a settlement payout in exchange for a general release of the company from all liability. The terms of the settlement […]

Trump administration discontinues ACA’s CSR payments

On October 12, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Acting Secretary Eric Hargan and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma released a statement announcing that cost-sharing reductions (CSR) payments were to be immediately discontinued based on a legal opinion from the attorney general. In part, the statement noted that “we believe that […]

Republican landslide alters legislative, regulatory landscape in 2015 and beyond

by Burton J. Fishman The sweeping Republican victory in the midterm election promises to have a significant impact on employment legislation and regulations in the next two years. Because of the number of Republican governors and Republican-dominated state legislatures now in place across the country, the most immediate impact may be at the state level […]

Employers await effects of Executive Order on immigration

While political wrangling over President Barack Obama’s newest Executive Order rages, employers need to understand the impact the immigration order will have on their workplaces. Obama announced what he’s calling the Immigration Accountability Executive Actions in an address November 20. A fact sheet from the White House says the order will “crack down on illegal […]

A few lessons learned from recent events

by Dan Oswald Respect and appreciate those who help you succeed. For my birthday in September, my wife gave me tickets to a James Taylor concert, which we attended last night. It was fascinating to watch a man whose career has spanned my entire lifetime perform the classic hits he penned decades ago. With his […]

Politics, negative ads, and business

Politics, negative ads, and losing trust

I’m always intrigued with presidential politics. Specifically, I like to watch how politicians — often with track records in a governor’s mansion, Congress, or even the White House — go about getting elected or re-elected. Maybe it’s the marketer in me, but I’m fascinated by the way the candidates position themselves to win an election. […]