Fair Share Health Care in Connecticut
What People are Saying
“I don’t know why big boys like Wal-Mart feel entitled to provide health insurance to their workers, courtesy of the taxpayer,” said Rep. David McClusky, D-West Hartford, and a supporter of the measure. “What we’re trying to do is rebuild Humpty Dumpty. In the good old days, responsible employers provided affordable health care to their employees and retirees. And now that’s under attack.”
-Hartford Courant, 1/6/06
Critical Facts
- Wal-Mart employees: 8,859 (as of March 2006).
- Title of the Bill: SB 1147—
An Act Concerning Employee Health Security - Summary of Bill: Legislation would apply a Health Security Surcharge to companies with more than 5,000 employees. The Health Security Surcharge is 25 percent of the hourly minimum wage multiplied by the total number of hours worked by each enrollee. The Employer receives a credit against the surcharge equal to the amount paid by the employer for health care benefits for the enrollee and, if applicable, the dependents of the enrollee.
- Status: Introduced 2/22/05; posted to committee 6/8/05
- Party Split of the Legislature:
House: 99 Democrats, 52 Republicans
Senate: 24 Democrats, 12 Republicans
- Sponsors:
Sen. Martin M. Looney, 11th Dist., Dem., Majority Leader
Sen. Mary Ann Handley, 4th Dist., Dem., Deputy Majority Leader
Rep. Mary M. Mushinsky, 85th Dist., Dem., Assistant Majority Leader
Rep. Art Feltman, 6th Dist., Dem.
Rep. Christopher L. Caruso, 126th Dist., Dem. - Committee: Labor and Public Employees
Want to get involved? Email Beverley Brakeman at .
Are you an Elected Official considering Fair Share? Go to our Elected Officials page for model legislation, facts and figures and notes for your upcoming floor debate.
