Letter on the "The HealthyWorkforce Act of 2007"

July 27, 2007

The Honorable Tom Harkin

United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Gordon Smith
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senators Harkin and Smith:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, appreciates your leadership in developing S.1753, the "The HealthyWorkforce Act of 2007." This bill seeks to promote healthy lifestyles and the prevention of chronic disease by providing tax credits to businesses that offer comprehensive employee wellness programs. The bill would provide a tax credit of up to $200 per employee for the first 200 employees, and up to $100 per employee thereafter, to businesses that offer comprehensive wellness programs.

Employers seek to control rising health care costs by focusing on the health status of their employees as well as the cost of a quality health plan. Incorporating wellness, prevention and chronic disease management programs into traditional health plans promote greater worker productivity, fewer sick days, and lower health insurance costs. These elements of a healthy workplace are essential to combating increased strains on our health care system, especially when it comes to fighting preventable chronic disease.

The Chamber appreciates your efforts to assist businesses, most notably small and midsized companies, with the incentives and tools they need to create healthy workplaces. In so doing, this bill recognizes the important role that employers play in promoting healthier lifestyles and a more productive workforce. We thank you for your leadership on this issue and look forward to working with you and your colleagues to advance the goal of promoting comprehensive wellness, preventive, and chronic disease management programs in the American workplace.

Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten