WASHINGTON (CAP) - In a move designed to counter criticism over its veto of a $35 billion expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, the Bush administration today announced plans to enact sweeping changes to the existing child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
"The question should not be Is our childrens getting gooder insurance through the government, but How can our childrens gets gooder private insurance, and I think the answer to that is simple: get a job," President Bush told a group of kids at the Fort Meade, Daycare Division facility.
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The State Health for Employed Minors Program (SHEMP) would give tax breaks to businesses that hire workers as young as 8 years old to work 32-36 hour work weeks, provided that the companies also cover the younger workers for major medical and dental insurance.
Businesses had lobbied hard to move the work hours up to the standard 40-hour week, but in the end had settled for the 32-36 number in exchange for a much-reduced orthodontia clause.
"We see it as a win-win all around," said Stu Mengele, chairman of the Business Interest Group, a Washington-based corporate think-tank and lobbying firm. "We'll have more high-energy laborers - seriously, have you seen them zip around a playground? The tax cuts will promote business growth across the board.
"And several million kids will have insurance to cover them for any on-the-job injuries they might stumble into," Mengele added. "Everyone wins!"
Democrats in Congress have publicly expressed misgivings about key aspects of SHEMP, and it is expected that they will complain loudly before signing the program into law.
"Does SHEMP cover naps? Snacks? How about recess? Will IBM be installing swings and a slide adjacent to every break room?" asked a flustered Nancy Pelosi recently on the House floor. "I don't have the power to stop it, but I will damn sure pencil any concerns I have into the margins of anything coming from the President's desk.
"Anything!" she repeated defiantly.
Both chambers of Congress are expected to begin debate on the program sometime later this month.
Cross-posted to CrystalAir.com.