Buerkle on Welch Allyn layoffs: Obamacare medical tax hurts

Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle has issued the following statement today in response to news reports about impending job cuts from  Skaneateles-based company Welch Allyn. The company announced that they would be entering a restructuring period that would lead to job losses in the range of 10% of the company’s work force. Welch Allyn employs 2,750 associates. Welch Allyns was badly damaged by the new tax increases contained in the Affordable Care Act, specifically the 2.3% excise tax on medical devices contained within the Affordable Care Act.

“Welch Allyn is an excellent employer and a vital asset to our community. Today’s announcement is a devastating blow to our economy in Upstate New York,” said Buerkle. “Washington should be creating a reasonable business environment so that employers can operate and do business here without going overseas. Dan Maffei’s vote to raise taxes on Welch Allyn and other local employers is nothing short of irresponsible.”