Elkhart, IN- Republican Congressional Candidate Jackie Walorski welcomed news that the House voted last night to repeal the devastating medical device tax included in the President’s controversial health care law.  If upheld, the tax will be applied to devices such as cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers—increasing costs and hurting businesses for one of the top industries in Indiana.  Walorski has vowed to continue to fight for the repeal of the bill that would devastate medical device manufacturers in Kosciusko County. 

“Imposing another government mandated tax on medical devices is devastating to Hoosier businesses and families across the district,” said Walorski.  “Just the threat of this tax increase has cost countless jobs in Kosciusko's industry leading companies. It's another clear example of the recurring job-killing policies included in the President’s health care plan that continue to steer the economy in the wrong direction.”

The 2.3 percent tax will be applied to medical devices sold in the United States, increasing taxes and costing thousands of Hoosier jobs.  Recent studies show the tax could lead to 47,000 layoffs in the medical device industry and result in excess of $3.5 billion in losses.  "At a time when our baby boomers need the devices manufactured here, in Indiana, the Federal Government is pushing this industry to China and completely denying our Hoosier senior citizens the quality of life they deserves and the jobs that create that", said Walorski 

Indiana is ranked as the fifth largest state in America for the amount of jobs in the medical device industry.  It employs over 20,000 high-paying Hoosier jobs that serve as a stable part of our economy.  A range of small businesses to larger companies in northern Indiana predict negative impacts for growth and employment if this heavy-handed tax goes into effect.

“The medical device industry is a robust part of our economy.  I’m pleased the House took the first step toward repealing this tax, and hope the Senate will follow suit.   I will continue to work hard to repeal this onerous tax and keep our hard working families employed.  We need to enact common sense reforms that will allow Hoosier businesses to cut taxes, hire workers, and increase growth.  The President’s health care law has once again demonstrated how it will hurt American jobs and families.  This tax could single-handedly shut down medical device companies in our state and force Hoosier jobs overseas,” said Walorski. 

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