WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today joined a bipartisan group of his Senate colleagues to introduce legislation that would help members of the independent workforce find flexible, portable benefits that fit their needs and the nature of their work. Specifically, the bipartisan Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act would establish a $20 million grant fund for states, localities, and nonprofit organizations to experiment with portable benefits models for the growing independent workforce.

“Information technology, analytics and the ‘gig’ economy are changing the complexion of the 21st century economy, so it’s vital that our federal policies evolve to stay in step with the reality faced by everyday workers,” Senator King said. “Today, more and more Americans work as independent contractors, or are more regularly switching jobs to address new opportunities in the workforce – and they should have flexible benefit options for them and their families. This bipartisan bill would lay the groundwork for more portable benefits so we can effectively support independent workers as they help change and expand the modern economy.”

As much as a third of the U.S. workforce is currently engaged in temporary, contract, or on-demand work. Those who earn all or some of their income as independent contractors, part-time workers, temporary workers, or contingent workers often find it difficult and expensive to access benefits and protections (like paid leave, workers’ compensation, skills training, unemployment insurance, tax withholding, and tax-advantaged retirement savings) that are commonly provided to full-time employees. The Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act will support innovation and experimentation with portable benefits models that would allow workers to carry these benefits with them from job to job across a lifetime in the workforce.

Along with Senator King, this legislation boasts strong bipartisan support from Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.).