The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is backing Senator James Lankford’s bill to delay the Department of Labor’s Overtime Rule. Lankford was joined by Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Susan Collins in filing the legislation which would push back the rule implementation to June 1, 2017. As things stand, the rules are set to take effect on December 1.
“It’s impossible for many small businesses to meet the December 1 deadline, and the clock is ticking,” said Juanita Duggan, NFIB President and CEO. “In just a few weeks, many thousands of small businesses could face heavy penalties for being out of compliance. NFIB is demanding that the Senate take action immediately.”
The House has already passed an identical bill. The NFIB believes the delay is necessary so small businesses have the time to make changes to handle the Overtime Rule.
“Small employers typically do not have HR departments and compliance professionals to help them implement massive new rules like this,” said Duggan. “Complying with this regulation will be complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. It’s hugely problematic for a wide range of employers, including small businesses, universities and colleges, local governments, and non-profit organizations.”
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt has joined 20 other states in a lawsuit trying to block the DOL rules from going into effect.
