Obamacare forces most Charlottesville, Va., firms to go part-time

An influential Charlottesville, Va., money management team claims that Obamacare has forced many firms in Thomas Jefferson's hometown to switch to part-time workers, and that one manager was told he'd be fired if he hired a 50th full-time worker, the number that triggers the costly health care system.

"Economic self-defense has many firms forcing their employees to work less than 30 hours a week regardless of their preference or availability. This trend seems to be universal even here in Charlottesville," David John Marotta and Megan Russell of Marotta Wealth Management said in an online memo to investors. The firm handles many Charlottesville investors.

They added: "We hesitate to name all the businesses in town that are cutting employee hours below 30. Even though the list includes almost all major franchises, most firms have been smart enough to keep the changes as quiet as possible." The reason: "The backlash and boycotts have been harsh and vitriolic from liberals."

Nonetheless, firms have been just as tough on managers in Charlottesville, ordering those that run smaller companies to keep hours and full-time workers below the Obamacare base level of 50. Going over 50 means firms will either have to start offering health insurance or pay a significant fine. Read more >>