December 8, 2022 — Modern Economy Project
Two leading House Democrats are now joining the calls for the U.S. Labor Department to extend the comment period for a proposed rule that would determine how individuals are classified as independent contractors.
In a letter to Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, Reps. Kurt Schrader (Ore.) and Stephanie Murphy (Fla.) said that extending the comment period for an additional 90 days would ensure that individuals and businesses have enough time to study the effects of the proposed rule.
“Many of our constituents either participate in the economy as independent contractors or rely on independent contractors to meet important business or personal needs,” the lawmakers wrote.
“By granting additional time, the Department can help ensure that these and other interested stakeholders have sufficient time to review the proposal and provide meaningful feedback on the potential impact the Department’s proposed changes may have on their lives or livelihoods,” they added.
Click HERE to read the Representatives’ letter.
Members of the Modern Economy Project have similarly urged the Labor Department to extend the comment period for 90 days.
The Labor Department has extended the comment period for just two weeks – from Nov. 28 to Dec. 13 – after unveiling the proposed rule last month.
Even so, people who work independently through a contractor arrangement and the businesses that rely on them need much more time to gather information about this proposed rule to adequately assess how the changes would affect their lives and businesses.
It’s estimated that more than a third of American individuals identify as independent individuals. Much of our modern economy operates with people who work in such arrangements.
That’s why we think it’s critical for policymakers to be connected with the reality of our modern economy.
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