Feb 14, 2014

House Speaker tours Republic Wire  UPDATED 6:43 PM EST Feb 13, 2014 ALarge Text Boehner tours West Chester business, slams Affordable Care Act U.S. House Speaker John Boehner was back in his home district in southwest Ohio and back on the attack against President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Related Watch this story It included what he called, over regulation, and he gave “Obamacare” or the Affordable Care Act, as an example. Boehner said Affordable Care Act changes have created uncertainty for employers. He says big government is getting in their way. Boehner said if Republicans controlled Washington, they would try to undo the president's initiative and to change health care differently. “Over the next 10 years Obama care will cost America about 2.5 million jobs,” Boenher said. Republic Wire owner Ron Rosenbeck told WLWT News 5 he’s already feeling the squeeze of health care costs. “We are seeing other companies getting rid of their policies all together, and then those spouses and children are coming on to our program,” Rosenbeck said. Rosenbeck says his health care costs have increased by 30 percent over the last year. But Enroll American State Director Trey Daly says it’s nothing new. “Rates for employer paid coverage have been going up for many years,” Daly said. According to Daly, rate increases have actually slowed in the last year. He said in part because of the Affordable Care Act. He said it gives people more freedom. “Those 2.5 million jobs aren't going away. What the CBO is saying is up to 2.5 million people may choose to leave a job or work fewer hours at their job because of the availability of affordable quality health coverage,” Daly said. Rosenbeck has been able to expand his business and hire 15 new employees, bringing his staff to 100 people. But he said policies like the Affordable Care Act, high costs, and taxes are still make for an uncertain business landscape in the future. Boehner toured the West Chester business in the aftermath of congressional action this week to lift the federal debt ceiling that triggered criticism of Boehner from some conservatives. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Boehner said the move was needed so the government could pay its bills. He said the problem isn't the debt ceiling, it's the debt itself.