Independent contractors deserve better laws — here’s why

Americans for Prosperity supports legislation that standardizes the definition of employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

Cutting red tape for 64 million American workers
The American workforce is changing fast — and Washington isn’t keeping up.
Across America, more than 64 million people are freelancing — either for extra income or as a career. But federal policies and outdated rules are making it harder for Americans to work independently if they want to.
Whether part-time or full-time, independent work offers flexibility, freedom, and opportunity that traditional jobs often can’t match. For many workers and families, this freedom isn’t just a preference — it’s a lifeline.
The House Workforce Protections Subcommittee recently held a hearing to examine the obstacles faced by independent contractors. Central to the conversation were two promising new bills backed by Americans for Prosperity to remove some of these roadblocks.
Despite government-imposed barriers and unnecessary red tape, independent contractors remain a driving force in the American economy.
Imagine what they could achieve if the government got out of the way.
STREAMLINING EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION RULES
One of the most basic questions in any job is: Are you an employee or an independent contractor? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you’d think.
The rules that determine a worker’s classification are outdated, confusing, and inconsistent. And it’s not just one set of rules — it’s a mess of state laws, court decisions, and changing government regulations that shift depending on who’s in power.
This classification matters. Businesses that rely on contractors to provide specialized services face the constant threat of being penalized for misclassification. That can mean steep fines, back pay, and even legal action.
When classification rules are too subjective or too rigid, they can effectively force freelancers into employment arrangements they don’t want — undermining their freedom and income.
H.R. 1319, the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, would simplify classifications by creating a clear and consistent standard for employment. Workers would finally have a reliable way to know where they stand without fear that the rules will change overnight.