WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Independent Women, the leading national women’s organization dedicated to advancing policies that enhance opportunity and well-being, praised the House Education & Workforce Committee and Rep. Kevin Kiley (CA-3) for advancing two critical bills that expand worker freedom and flexibility: HR 1319, Modern Worker Empowerment Act, and HR 1320, the Modern Worker Security Act.
These bills would harmonize the independent contractor definition across federal agencies with a clear and simple test and create a safe harbor so that organizations or companies can offer portable benefits to independent contractors without triggering misclassification.
Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity, released the following statement:
“We applaud Rep. Kiley for his leadership in working to modernize federal law to reflect how women and all Americans work today. No one should be forced into a traditional 9-to-5 model. Flexibility is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline.
“The Education & Workforce Committee made this principle clear by passing the Modern Worker Empowerment Act and the Modern Worker Security Act, two bills that advance worker freedom.
“Women depend on flexible work to stay attached to the labor force while balancing important personal priorities like raising children, caring for aging parents, and managing their health issues.
“For independent workers who lack access to affordable healthcare options and other benefits, portable benefits will be a game-changer. They can secure the critical benefits without sacrificing their independent status or flexibility.
“We urge all members of Congress to vote yes on these bills.”
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Independent Women’s Voice fights for women by expanding support for policy solutions that aren’t just well-intended, but actually enhance freedom, opportunities, and well-being.
