WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on the Save American Workers Act (H.R. 30), which would redefine a full-time worker under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as one who works 40 hours in a week and not 30 hours, as the health-care law mandates. NACS is urging convenience retailers and suppliers to contact their representatives and ask them to vote "Yes" for H.R. 30.

Under the health-care law, large employers must provide insurance to employees working full time — defined as at least 30 hours per week — or face a penalty. The House bill that seeks to change that threshold to 40 hours, a move supported by NACS and many other organizations, including the National Restaurant Association, International Franchise Association and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. NACS has worked with these groups to launch the “More Time for Full Time” campaign to encourage the change.

While this issue has been on the backburner since the ACA was signed into law in 2010, Republican gains in Congress and support from a growing number of Democrats offer the best chance to date for the legislation to pass the U.S. House of Representatives. Last year, the House passed similar legislation to revise the 30-hour workweek with support from 18 Democrats, but it stalled in a Democratic-controlled Senate. This time around, the new proposal already picked up at least four Democrat supporters, with a push to get more on-board. However, strong opposition remains, particularly from the AFL-CIO.

Passage of this legislation is essential to the convenience and fuel retailing industry and we strongly urge you to contact your representatives today and urge them to vote in favor of H.R. 30. Submitting a letter online will only take a couple minutes and will have a long-term impact on your business. Contact your representative now!