The Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare is likely to play a pivotal role in the next election. It’s not surprising that the law is still unpopular with Republicans but it is important to note that a majority of voters who label themselves as Independents dislike the law, as well. In fact, according to a Fox News poll, “Most voters say ObamaCare will play an important role in their vote in this year’s elections, and over half are more inclined to back the candidate who opposes the health care law.”
In the Fox News poll, voters were asked whether they would be more likely to support a candidate who supports the ACA or one who opposes it. Fifty-three percent of those polled say they would support the anti-ACA candidate, where 39% would be more likely to support the pro-ACA candidate.
This and a host of other polls support the conventional wisdom in Washington that the Republicans will maintain control of the House of Representatives and that the U.S. Senate is a 50-50 bet to change over to Republican control in the next Congress.
What does this mean for repeal of the Tan Tax? Those of us who abhor the tax should temper our expectations about what will happen even with both Houses of Congress controlled by elected officials opposed to the ACA. Personally, I think outright repeal of the law is the longest of longshots – and certainly not while the current President holds the veto pen. But changes to the law seem more and more likely, and maybe even likely in the next Congress.
For our part, we must keep this unfair and job-killing tax at the forefront of issues in the next six months leading up to the 2014 mid-term elections. The ITA is committed to doing so and we need the help of all of you whose businesses are affected. There is strength in numbers.
Thanks,
John Overstreet
