I would not be surprised at all if, starting with the next Congress, the Obama administration tries to punish those companies cutting hours to avoid the mandate. It won’t be presented as punishment, of course. But a hopey-changey speech about “thwarting the intent of affordable health care” would mean the same thing. The Senate, having gotten a good deal more liberal after election day, would surely play ball on such a move (Elizabeth Warren probably leading the charge).
Well, for starters the welfare crowd doesn’t go to Applebees. The working side might on occasion. This only affects their employees. Obamugabe strikes again.