Cedar Rapids Today

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) led the entire Iowa delegation in a letter to the Department of Labor on the agency's enforcement of teen labor laws that conflict with state laws. The letter follows reports from small business owners about the Department of Labor's lack of communication, aggressive tactics, and threats of excessive fines.

In part, the lawmakers wrote, "Over the last several weeks, our offices have received numerous reports from small business owners who have been subject to investigations and excessive penalties by the U.S. Department of Labor. These investigations have reportedly included auditors demanding one-on-one, non-supervised access to teenage employees who were younger than 16, without parental consent or knowledge. Auditors have also reportedly threatened to issue fines of up to $150,000 without allowing for any corrections to be made."

"Many Iowa small business owners offer safe and stable work opportunities for teens that allow them to earn money while learning new skills and the importance of a strong work ethic. Rather than working with Iowa small businesses and providing guidance in good faith, the Biden DOL is rushing to immediately slap down hundred-thousand-dollar fines that could force some small businesses to close their doors. I am working to get answers and ensure Iowa's small business community isn't steamrolled by DOL bureaucrats," said Congresswoman Ashley Hinson.

"We can all agree that the health, safety, and well-being of our youth is a high priority, but the U.S. Department of Labor's position that a teenager working at a family-owned restaurant past 7pm on a school night qualifies as oppressive child labor is absurd. The department is excessively fining small Iowa businesses to the point of closure for violating outdated child labor regulations that were set in the 1930s. Our workforce and workplaces look much different than they did 85 years ago, and Iowa's child labor laws reflect that. It’s time the DOL update its own regulations to recognize the reality of our modern work world," said Governor Kim Reynolds.