Whereas, we have a health care crisis in America and the State has the authority to adopt laws to protect the health, safety and welfare of its citizens;

Whereas, the business practices of large employers set the standard for wages and benefits. These corporations have a moral responsibility to provide their employees with wages and benefits at levels sufficient to allow for a decent standard of living;

Whereas, there is an alarming trend of large corporations paying sub-standard wages and benefits in order to increase profitability. This trend shifts costs onto taxpayers by forcing employees of profitable corporations to rely on publicly funded health care programs and for other public assistance services;

Whereas, communities and families are negatively impacted by large corporations failing to live up to their responsibilities;

We introduce the following legislation – The “Fair Share For Health Care” Act

The act has the following principles:

1. Taxpayer Impact Disclosure
   • States must disclose, with an annual report, employers who have more than 50 employees, spouses or dependents who receive public medical assistance.
   • The report should include: the name of the employer; the number of employees, spouses and dependents who receive such public medical assistance; and the cost to the state of providing such medical assistance for each calendar year.
2. Health Care Spending Disclosure
   • Large corporations (defined as 1,000 or more employees) must disclose the percentage of payroll, the total dollar amount, and the amount per employee the company spends on health insurance costs in the state.
     • Employee is defined as all full-time or part-time individuals employed by the corporation
     • Health insurance benefits costs is the amount employer pays to provide health care or health insurance including medical care, prescription drugs, vision care, medical savings accounts and any other health related costs.
3. Pay Your Fair Share For Health Care Requirement
   • Pay at least 10% of payroll costs to health insurance benefits for their employees or make up the difference by paying into a state public health fund; or
   • Pay a “Minimum Health Care Wage” to their employees. A minimum dollar amount per hour worked for health benefits. (Note – Amounts would vary per state but would be approximately $2 per hour worked)