Five years ago, Liya Palagashvili began educating policymakers on Capitol Hill about outdated legal barriers that were preventing independent workers from accessing portable benefits. She argued that no federal agency should use the presence of benefits as a factor in determining whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee.
Now, after countless hours of research, expert testimony, and briefings, the U.S. Congress has introduced a House bill that directly addresses this issue and ensures that benefits can flow to independent workers without jeopardizing their employment status.
Why Does This Matter?
If passed, the bill will enable flexible work arrangements for independent workers and provide them with greater access to benefits. It will be a step toward modernizing federal labor laws for the 21st-century workforce.
Liya has been at the forefront of this reform and has provided research-backed insights that have helped shape this movement. Check out her work on portable benefits and independent work:
This milestone reflects years of dedication to advancing sound policy solutions. The conversation isn’t over—but this is a major victory for the future of flexible work.
Ben Brophy Director of Marketing
Mercatus Center at George Mason University
Topics & Issues
Jon Gabriel wants to make federalism sexy again, arguing that a renewed focus on federalism would restore our civic culture, add sanity to politics, and “let 50 shades of freedom bloom.”
Charles Gardner of our Urbanity team testifies about affordable housing yet again, this time on how fair occupancy restrictions can expand housing opportunities in New Hampshire.
Dean Ball warns of the coming AI regulation onslaught and compares it with the European Union’s overzealous regulator act.
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