Peace Garden News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act. The legislation would enhance independent workers’ access to certain retirement plans and health insurance protections typically offered to full-time employees. It would also establish a $20 million grant fund within the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to incentivize states, localities, and nonprofits work with portable benefits models.

“Independent workers make up a growing percentage of our workforce, yet they are often not eligible for many benefits typically offered by employers. North Dakotans in non-traditional work arrangements deserve access to the same benefits as the rest of the working public,” said Senator Cramer. “These pilot programs encourage state and local governments to provide portable benefits and give independent contractors additional financial stability.”

“Each year more and more Americans engage in part-time, contract or other alternative work arrangements to support themselves and their families. But despite these shifts, our retirement and savings programs aren’t keeping up to help these workers,” said Senator Warner. “This program will encourage experimentation at the state and local levels to support the realities of a 21st century workforce.”

“Job opportunities in the gig economy provide workers with utmost flexibility,” said Senator Young. “Supporting portable benefit options helps uncover creative solutions to addressing the needs of our rapidly changing workforce. I am pleased to reintroduce this bill to make it easier for Hoosiers find the job opportunity that best suits their family situation.”

Joining Senators Cramer, Warner, and Young are Senators Angus King (I-ME), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and John Hoeven (R-ND).

Click here for bill text.

Background:

Independent contractors, part-time workers, temporary workers, and contingent workers have found it increasingly difficult and expensive to access benefits and protections traditionally provided to full-time employees.

The Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act aims to address these challenges and better align federal policies with today’s evolving workforce by expanding accessibility for gig economy workers to receive number of work-related benefits and protections. These include retirement savings, workers compensation, life or disability insurance, sick leave, training and educational benefits, health care, and more.

The bill would also direct the Secretary of Labor to provide grants to support innovation and experimentation regarding portable benefits, with the goal of establishing scalable, efficient benefit models.

Original source can be found here.