Kansas fights labor rule for home health workers

? Gov. Sam Brownback says he’s not sure the federal government knows the unintended consequences of a planned labor overtime rule that aims to protect domestic service workers.

Brownback met Thursday with home health caregivers and their charges at the Independent Living Resource Center in Wichita to rally opposition to the regulation.

Kansas contends the rule that takes effect next year would increase the cost of services for Kansans who receive home-based care.

The state has asked U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez for an exemption or delay for disabled and elderly Kansans who direct their own care. The governor is asking the public to contact the Labor Department to voice their concerns.

The rule is designed to ensure domestic service workers are protected by federal wage and overtime rules.