Tim Walberg Questions Labor Secretary on Small Business Health Care, Human Trafficking, and Skills Training

Association Health Plans (AHPs)

• 🤝 Association Health Plans (AHPs) allow multiple employers to band together to purchase health coverage, similar to unions.
• 📉 The Trump administration's 2018 rule expanding AHPs reportedly produced significant savings for employers.
• ⚠️ The Biden-Harris administration rescinded the 2019 Trump rule in April 2024 without an alternative.
• 🗣️ Secretary Chavez-DeRemer acknowledges that banding together to purchase health care plans is key to lowering costs for small businesses and their employees.

Data Security and Leaks

• 🔒 Allegations of the Employee Benefit Security Administration (EBSA) sharing secret information obtained during investigations with plaintiffs' attorneys are concerning.
• 🚫 Secretary Chavez-DeRemer states that under her leadership, leaking confidential information is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
• 🕵️ The Department of Labor will cooperate fully with the Inspector General's office to investigate any potential leaks.

Combating Human Trafficking

• 💔 Human trafficking, particularly child sex trafficking, remains a significant challenge.
• 📜 Congressman Walberg sponsored the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act to equip Department of Labor personnel with tools to identify such exploitation.
• ✅ Secretary Chavez-DeRemer commits to reviewing the bill and working with Congress to combat human trafficking at all costs.

Skills Training and Workforce Development

• 🎓 There is a critical need to address workforce demands through skilling, reskilling, and upskilling.
• 🏫 Not everyone will pursue a four-year degree; therefore, accessible local community colleges and technical schools are essential.
• 🚀 The Department of Labor will work towards the accessibility and flexibility needed for the modernization of the current workforce.