Political Quotes

“I join my colleagues to call for action to prevent the version of the overtime rule that the U.S. Department of Labor finalized this past May from going into effect on December 1. I want to commend Chairman Alexander, Senator Scott, and Senator Lankford for their leadership in this area. Federal regulations can impose unexpected and costly requirements on small businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The new U.S. Department of Labor rule on overtime pay is a prime example that could harm the very workers it intends to help, cause small businesses to curb hiring, and force universities and colleges to either raise tuition or cut programs. The new rule will double the annual salary threshold from $23,660 to $47,476 for mandatory overtime, effective December 1. While it is time for a reasonable update in the threshold, doubling the threshold overnight and with so little time for employers to prepare will have negative consequences. I have spoken with small businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations across Maine, and it is clear that this huge and sudden increase in the threshold is far too much and too fast. Rather than producing bigger paychecks, this new rule is likely to produce reduced hours, benefits, and flexibility for Maine workers. Many small employers in Maine have told me that they do not have the margins to pay overtime to salaried employees earning up to $47,476.…”