Recognizing the contributions of independent workers and contractors to the American economy.

Subjects: Labor and Employment, Economic performance and conditions, Labor market, Self-employed, Wages and earnings

Summary:  <p>This resolution recognizes the importance of independent workers, app-based earners, freelancers, and other independent contractors to the economy.</p>

<html><body><pre>[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 72 Introduced in House (IH)]

&lt;DOC&gt;






118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 72

Recognizing the contributions of independent workers and contractors to 
                         the American economy.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 30, 2023

  Mr. Issa (for himself, Mr. McClintock, Mr. Fallon, Mr. Valadao, Mr. 
Carter of Georgia, Mr. Mike Garcia of California, Ms. Foxx, Mrs. Lesko, 
 Mrs. Steel, Mrs. Hinson, Mr. Moolenaar, Mr. Kiley, Mr. Calvert, Mrs. 
 Miller of Illinois, Mr. Obernolte, Mr. LaMalfa, Mr. Ferguson, and Mr. 
  Cole) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                Committee on Education and the Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the contributions of independent workers and contractors to 
                         the American economy.

Whereas independent workers can be defined as workers who are self-employed, 
        independent contractors, sole proprietors, or nonpermanent workers who 
        are hired on a per-project basis;
Whereas independent workers can include, but are not limited to, musicians, 
        lawyers, drivers, couriers, computer programmers, writers, and other 
        entrepreneurs;
Whereas embracing independent work offers workers great freedom and flexibility 
        in their hours, locations, and occupations;
Whereas technological innovation has enabled more Americans than ever to pursue 
        flexible, independent work, including through app-based platforms;
Whereas 61 percent of independent workers report their earnings are equal or 
        more than with a more traditional work environment;
Whereas the flexible work economy offers business owners advantages, such as the 
        ability to hire experts for services not regularly needed or extra 
        workers for busy seasons and lower space costs;
Whereas independent workers comprise approximately 39 percent of United States 
        workers, a 3-percent increase from 2021, resulting in roughly 60,000,000 
        Americans engaging in some type of freelance work;
Whereas independent workers contributed nearly $1.35 trillion to the American 
        economy in 2022;
Whereas the number of independent workers has grown exponentially in recent 
        years, with approximately 26 million Americans' primary income deriving 
        from the independent work economy;
Whereas 67 percent of independent workers reported that their jobs prepared them 
        for the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic better than those in 
        traditional jobs;
Whereas according to data from 2020, 43 percent of those aged 18 to 22 and 46 
        percent of those aged 23 to 38 chose the flexible work economy over 
        traditional employment;
Whereas over 50 percent of the American workforce is projected to participate in 
        the flexible work economy by 2027;
Whereas some elected officials and communities have taken actions to end the 
        independent work economy by supporting legislation that would require 
        freelance workers to register as traditional employees, removing their 
        freedom and flexibility to work where, when, and how they want; and
Whereas legislation forcing independent workers to classify as employees could 
        supersede State laws such as Prop 22 in California, which overturned 
        worker classification laws and strengthened contractor freedom: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the rising importance of independent 
        workers, app-based earners, freelancers, and other independent 
        contractors to the American economy; and
            (2) recognizes the benefits of independent work to 
        entrepreneurs and individuals seeking flexible hours, 
        locations, and occupations and the benefit of additional 
        income-earning potential.
                                 &lt;all&gt;
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