Ideas

Eric Lesser
Former Senator | Longmeadow, MA

Creating Portable Benefits

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship

Problem

When people are employed as part-time workers or independent contractors, they are less likely to have access to traditional benefits and more likely to face financial and personal stress. American workers have traditionally relied upon their employers to provide the social guarantees that allow individuals and families to prosper, including health insurance, workers compensation, retirement plans, paid sick leave, life insurance, etc. However, as employers embrace the “gig economy” and move to hiring independent contractors and other non-traditional workers, benefits are no longer required or provided. Due to the instability that is inherent to so much of their work, non-traditional workers have a serious need for workplace benefits.

Solution

To establish a fund that allows policy experimentation to see what works in order to ensure the dignity and security for workers and their families in a rapidly changing economy. The purpose of my bill, An Act establishing portable benefits for independent workers innovation fund, does just that. It establishes a statewide program that will encourage employers and organizations to find innovative ways to provide this growing independent workforce with access to many of the social insurance protections that are typically provided to workers through traditional full-time employment.

More Idea’s From Eric Lesser

Senator Eric Lesser: New Future of Work Report in Massachusetts

Idea Category: Equity & Opportunity, Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP

Addressing the impacts of the cliff effect in Massachusetts

Idea Category: Equity & Opportunity, Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP

High-Tech Business Investor Tax Credit

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP

Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Program

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP

Combating Patent Trolls

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP

Creating Empowerment School Zones

Idea Category: Education | Funding Source: ARP

Veterans Training Crosswalk

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP

Establishing a Student Loan Bill of Rights

Idea Category: Safety Net | Funding Source: ARP

Remote Worker Incentive Program

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship, Smart Government | Funding Source: ARP

Student Loan Bill of Rights

Idea Category: Education | Funding Source: ARP