Stand for Worker Freedom and Support Portable Benefits in Virginia

The Virginia General Assembly is considering Senate Bill 1276 that would meet the needs of independent contractors in Virginia by unlocking portable benefits.

According to the Census Bureau, there are almost 600,000 independent workers in Virginia. Independent workers value the ability to work for whom they want, when, where, and how they choose. Nine out of ten female workers who shifted from full-time employment to independent contract work said they did so to prioritize flexibility over stability. But unfortunately, upwards of 40% of independent workers lack access to any workplace benefits. 

Learn more about the stories of those who benefit from economic opportunity HERE. 

Virginia is trying to solve that problem by creating portable benefits that would be available to independent contractors. Unlike traditional employer-provided benefits, portable benefits are attached to the worker instead of a specific employer. This offers workers the ability to maintain coverage no matter how they choose to work or who pays them. Learn more about portable benefits HERE.

Virginia would show great progress by building on previous efforts of this legislature and passing SB 1276 to expand portable benefits. 

Send a message directly to your members, encouraging them to support SB 1276 and sharing your story of how flexible work has benefited you.