Washington, D.C. – Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Vice President of Federal Affairs Geoff Burr issued the following statement in reaction to a deal the White House made January 14 behind closed doors with union leaders to exempt some of their members from a tax on their high-cost insurance coverage, or “Cadillac” plans, until 2018.  This type of health insurance often has low deductibles and excellent benefits that cover even the most expensive treatments.

In exchange, big labor agreed to soften their opposition and support whatever health care legislation is produced by the White House, Senate and House Democrats.

“This health care bill is full of pay offs to politicians – and now special interest groups – and continues to be a blatant assault on small businesses,” said Burr.

“If this president and the Congress are serious about reforming the health care system, they should soundly reject any special interest provisions in this legislation that add up to a political payoff,” said Burr.

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Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Pennsylvania is part of a national association representing more than 25,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms in 77 chapters across the United States.  For more information, visit ABC of Western PA’s Web site, .