WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal and state labor policies have failed to keep pace with modern work arrangements, leaving over 74 million self-employed professionals, freelancers, and gig workers nationwide unable to access workplace benefits without jeopardizing their independent status. As states grapple with how to regulate America’s evolving modern workforce, Independent Women today unveiled its new “Voluntary Portable Benefits Act” — a forward-looking legislative model that protects worker freedom while expanding access to vital financial and healthcare benefits and protections. 

Building on previous successes advanced by Independent Women to protect America’s freelance workforce across the country at risk of losing their independent status, this multi-state initiative empowers the largest growing population of workers in the country to obtain voluntary benefits—such as health, disability, and retirement coverage—without being forced into traditional 9-5 employment or losing their independent status. This model allows benefits to follow workers across jobs and platforms.

In an exclusive Washington Post oped published today, Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity and author of the legislative model, wrote: The state’s role is to knock down the legal and regulatory barriers to portable benefits. At present, state (and federal) law prohibits companies from offering benefits to independent contractors. The idea of portable benefits is widely popular among self-employed workers, who recognize its game-changing possibilities.

“The way Americans work today has changed significantly since many labor policies were created,”Onwuka said. “Workers, especially women, depend on the flexibility that independent contracting provides to balance caregiving, health issues, and other priorities. Lawmakers in red and blue states are now updating labor policy to clear the way for voluntary portable benefits programs for independent contractors. We look forward to working with new states to bring this bipartisan game-changer to their freelance workforce.”

“Independent Women has become a force in state policymaking, advancing commonsense reforms that put women and families first. In just three years, we’ve helped create laws in 18 states—and we’re just getting started,” said Jordanne Kemper, Vice President of Independent Women’s Voice. “Our newest model legislation—creating voluntary portable benefits for independent workers—is a win for working moms and anyone who values flexibility, freedom, and opportunity. In today’s workforce, women especially value choosing career options that fit their families needs and this model supports that reality. We’re proud to be driving the next wave of pro-woman, pro-worker reforms across the country.”

For years, laws such as California’s Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) and bills such as the federal Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act have aimed to reclassify independent contractors as employees unless they can meet strict standards.

Independent contractors are hardworking men and women who choose to work independently rather than, or sometimes alongside, traditional employment. Half of these freelancers nationwide are women—many of whom choose independent work to provide flexibility for other priorities, like caring for children or aging parents. Despite their contributions across the economy, companies are legally prohibited from offering workplace benefits to freelancers, as they are non-employees. This legal barrier leaves millions without access to the financial security tools available to traditional employees. 

Polling data conducted by Independent Women shows overwhelming support for policy solutions that protect independent work: 82% of women say the government should not force them into 9-5 jobs. The data shows a clear bipartisan consensus: women want the freedom to choose how, when, and where they work. 

Independent Women’s Voluntary Portable Benefits Act model legislation meets that need by allowing freelancers to maintain their autonomy while gaining access to benefits they can carry from job to job and platform to platform.

This new model builds on the momentum generated in states such as Tennessee and Alabama, where portable benefits frameworks have been advanced. 

Independent Women has long amplified the voices of America’s independent workers through Independent Women’s Features (IW Features) “Chasing Work” series, exposing the untold consequences of red tape policies that undermine the autonomy and flexibility freelancers depend on.

Now, Independent Women has launched a new national storytelling drive: “Your Work. Your Benefits. Your Story.” 

The Workforce Has Changed.

The System Hasn’t Kept Up with Independent Workers.

Tell us your independent work story HERE.

These stories will highlight the urgent need to expand access to portable benefits to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving workforce. By elevating real-life experiences from freelancers, contractors, and gig workers, Independent Women will highlight why modernizing benefits is essential to supporting the livelihoods and independence of America’s modern workforce.

See below to learn more about Independent Women’s already-established work to protect independent contractors and freelancers across the country:

Direct media inquiries and booking requests to [email protected]. 

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