Friends —

It took the coronavirus pandemic for Congress to finally realize that there are gaps in our social safety net, particularly when it comes to unemployment insurance.

Chief among those at risk of falling through the cracks are gig economy and contingent workers. Millions of Americans who work as rideshare workers, handymen, hairdressers, truck drivers, and other self-employed, contract, and gig workers don’t always have access to traditional benefits. And most service sector, part-time, and low-wage workers in America don’t have access to healthcare, paid leave, or a telework option through their employer.

For years, Mark has said that we need to do more to protect American workers, that our system was increasingly leaving millions of workers behind. Mark was outspoken about the need to expand benefits for workers before this pandemic, and he continues to advocate for aid for gig economy and contingent workers when negotiating coronavirus relief packages.

In the latest stimulus package, Congress temporarily expanded paid leave to some workers, finally recognizing the public health challenges facing workers who lack these benefits. Unfortunately, millions more still lack paid sick leave, and the coronavirus relief programs are temporary, which means that all gig workers will be at risk once this aid runs out.

Mark is pushing innovative portable benefits legislation that will help patch these holes in our social safety net that prevent millions of workers from accessing unemployment insurance, healthcare, sick leave, and other basic benefits. But we want to know where you stand:

As our country weathers the coronavirus crisis, the need to protect gig economy workers has never been more apparent — or urgent. But the need to protect these workers isn’t going to go away as the pandemic recedes.

Thank you for your support,

Team Warner