Paul's Supermarkets VP testifies before Congress

WASHINGTON — The Vice-President of Paul's Supermarkets testified today before a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee regarding the effect of the Affordable Care Act, aka. "Obamacare," on small businesses.

Steven Hermann testified before the House Small Business Subcommittee on Health and Technology in a hearing entitled, "The Effects of the Health Law's Definitions of Full-Time Employee on Small Businesses." His testimony was given on behalf of the National Grocers Association. Before he spoke, Hermann was introduced by 3rd District Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer.

View the video of Steven Hermann's testimony before the House Small Business Subcommittee on Health and Technology.

(Introduction and testimony begin at 34:18.)

Hermann discussed what he called the "unrealistic definition of a full-time employee under the healthcare law." The definition of "full-time" as a person who works 30 hours per week has put many businesses in a position where they will have to "make tough choices" that may result in "reduced hours and smaller paychecks," he said.

Hermann concluded his testimony by encouraging Congress to remove "barriers or any artificial thresholds" that are hurting small business job creation.

Read the full text of Steve Hermann's testimony.

Paul's Supermarkets is a family-owned company, started by Paul Hermann in 1968. It has grown from one to three stores over its 45 years at the Lake and employs approximately 200 people.