Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly is the co-sponsor of a bipartisan measure to redefine full-time workers for purposes of the federal Affordable Care Act. Starting Jan. 1, the controversial health care law mandates employers with more than 50 employees offer insurance to anyone who averages 30 hours per week in order to avoid hefty fines. Donnelly and Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine are proposing the Affordable Care Act redefine a full-time employee as one who works 40 hours per week. Donnelly says this is the standard definition in all other aspects of the federal government. He adds several of his constituents have had their hours slashed from 35 to 29 hours per week and are facing financial challenges as a result of the 30 hour definition. The two senators have also sent a letter to President Obama asking for flexibility and time for small businesses to adjust to the changes without penalties.
