Democrat's Markey, Lynch voted to destroy Mass medical device jobs

Obamacare medical device taxes lead to direct layoffs in Massachusetts. Democrat's Ed Markey and Stephen Lynch voted to hurt Bay State Jobs and families that even Senator Warren opposed. Mass GOP press release below:

For Immediate Release February 4, 2013   Contact: Tim Buckley 617-947-8670 100 Newly Unemployed Can Thank Markey, Lynch BOSTON- The 100 workers laid off by an Andover medical-device manufacturer can thank Democratic Senate candidates Ed Markey and Steven Lynch for the loss of their jobs.  Congressmen Markey and Lynch each voted for the $30 billion excise tax on medical device manufacturers, which was cited by Smith & Nephew as the direct cause of the layoffs from its Andover and Memphis locations. "This excise tax is so bad for Massachusetts workers that even Senator Warren opposes it, but that didn't stop Markey and Lynch from hurting Bay State families and jobs in the name of their liberal agenda," said Kirsten Hughes, MassGOP Chairman.  "Neither Markey nor Lynch deserve a promotion to U.S. Senator because each has failed the families of Massachusetts in Congress, as evidenced by their embracing job-killing legislation." Background: An Andover Medical Device Company Laid off 100 People Friday To Cope With Medical Device Tax. “A medical company is blaming President Obama’s health care law for the layoffs of nearly 100 people. Smith & Nephew says a 2.3 percent excise tax on medical devices in the “Obamacare” law caused the layoffs in the Memphis and Andover, Mass., offices.” (Medical Company Blames ‘Obamacare’ For Layoffs Of Nearly 100 People,” CBS DC, 2/1/13) In June 2012, Ed Markey And Stephen Lynch Voted Against Repealing The Job-Destroying Medical Device Tax. “Passage of the bill that would repeal an excise tax of 2.3 percent on medical devices created under the 2010 health care overhaul. It also would repeal the overhaul law’s restrictions on using tax-preferred accounts to pay for over-the-counter drugs and allow individuals to recoup up to $500 of unused funds that are left in their flexible-spending arrangements (FSAs) after the end of a plan year. It also would make individuals who receive subsidies to help buy coverage in the state insurance exchanges liable for the full amount of any overpayments.” (H.R. 436, CQ Vote #361: Passed 270-146: R 233-0; D 37-146, 6/7/12, Markey and Lynch Voted Nay)    Elizabeth Warren Said Repealing The Medical Device Tax Was “Essential.” “Three changes in government policy are essential: a more efficient regulatory system at the FDA, repeal of the medical device tax, and an increased national commitment to research and education.” (Elizabeth Warren, Op-Ed, “A Climate For Innovation,” Mass Device, 4/17/12)