ATLANTA, GA — Representative Todd Jones introduces House Bill 987, legislation modeled after Independent Women’s “Voluntary Portable Benefits Act,“ aimed at protecting worker freedom while expanding access to voluntary financial and healthcare benefits for independent workers.
Independent contractors are one of the fastest-growing segments of the American workforce and already make up nearly 10% of Georgia workers. Yet many are locked out of affordable benefits simply because they choose flexible, independent work.
Rep. Todd Jones (District 25) said: “Too many independent workers are forced to choose between flexibility and basic security. Voluntary portable benefits would change that equation. This legislation ensures Georgians can access affordable healthcare and essential benefits without giving up their independence, their livelihoods, or the modern ways they work. It’s a common-sense update for the 21st-century workforce.”
“Georgia is an economic engine in the South,” said Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity. “Benefits portability will add another attraction for skilled and mobile independent workers, who can work from anywhere, to choose the Peach State. Independent contractors, especially women, desire to be their own boss. Whether for caregiving or to manage health issues, they prioritize flexibility and cannot work in a traditional 9-to-5 job. However, not all of them have access to—or can afford to self-fund—important benefits such as health care or retirement savings. By allowing independent workers to own their benefits, they can work in the way that suits their unique circumstances while increasing their economic security. Businesses can choose to participate without the fear of costly misclassification cases against them. Portable benefits are a win-win-win.”
Independent Women unveiled its portable benefits model legislation last year as part of a multi-state initiative to ensure independent contractors can access voluntary benefits—such as health, disability, and retirement coverage—without sacrificing flexibility or risking worker misclassification.
Georgia’s effort builds upon the momentum in states such as West Virginia,Wyoming, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Alabama, where portable benefits frameworks have been championed and are advancing.
Research from the Mercatus Center underscores the impact of these programs: 73% of respondents report feeling more financially secure, and 91% said they would feel more secure if the pilot program were made permanent. Nearly 75% of respondents who previously lacked access to benefits gained coverage they would otherwise not have had.
Independent Women is also amplifying the voices of independent workers in Georgia through its national storytelling drive: “Your Work. Your Benefits. Your Story.” These firsthand accounts highlight the urgent need to expand access to portable benefits to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving workforce.
See below to learn more about Independent Women’s already-established work to protect independent contractors and freelancers across the country:
- Governor Morrisey Leads Nation as First Governor to Announce Portable Benefits as Key Legislative Priority: West Virginia Legislature Advances Worker Freedom Initiative on Day One
- West Virginia Legislature Introduces Major Labor Policy Reform Bill to Expand Worker Freedom
- An innovative approach to expanding health coverage is gaining steam
- Portable Benefits Gain Traction in Alabama and Arkansas
- 60 Seconds: Portable Benefits
- Portable Benefits Get Their Day in the Senate
- Stand for Worker Freedom and Support Portable Benefits
- Hearing: “Freedom to Work: Unlocking Benefits for Independent Workers”
- Takeaways: Portable Benefits
- New Congressional Report: Flexible Workers Should Access Benefits Too
- Independent Women Submits Public Comment for Department of Justice’s Investigation into Devastating State Small Business Laws and Regulations
- Chasing Work: Real Stories From People Harmed By Red Tape
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