ACR177 Joins SCR138
These companion documents are intended to prohibit or invalidate the New Jersey Labor Department's proposed independent-contractor rule.
New Jersey Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn has introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution 177, which is a companion to Senate Concurrent Resolution 138 that Senator Declan O’Scanlon introduced last month.
ACR177 and SCR138 would declare the proposed independent-contractor rule at the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development inconsistent with legislative intent.
This is good news for New Jersey’s independent contractors.
I continue to hope that Democrats will join with these and other Republicans in the Legislature to stop the proposed Labor Department rulemaking—especially since so many Democrats are among the two dozen legislators who have already raised their voices with concerns about what’s happening.
‘Stop This Overreach’
Introduction of AC4177 and SCR138 follow a press release that O’Scanlon, Flynn and their district-mate, Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger, issued back in August about the Labor Department’s proposed rulemaking.
In that press release, each of the three legislators made clear why they oppose the rulemaking. O’Scanlon said:
“This is yet another misguided attempt by the Murphy administration to overregulate New Jerseyans out of their livelihoods. These proposed rules by the DOL directly contradict the Legislature’s intent and would wreak havoc on independent contractors who rely on flexibility and autonomy to make a living. We’re not going to sit back and let unelected bureaucrats and Trenton Democrats make life more expensive and more complicated for thousands of hardworking people. That’s why I’ll be introducing legislation to declare these rules inconsistent with legislative intent and stop them before they do serious harm if the DOL doesn’t respond to the public outcry and significantly modify or entirely rescind the proposed rule changes. The livelihoods of countless New Jerseyans are on the line.”
Flynn stated in that press release:
“These rules are a direct attack on worker freedom and the ability of New Jerseyans to control their own livelihoods. For many independent contractors—especially parents, caregivers, and those juggling multiple jobs—this flexibility isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. The Murphy administration’s proposal would rip that away, forcing people into rigid employment models that don’t work for their lives. I will fight alongside Senator O’Scanlon and Assemblyman Scharfenberger to stop this overreach in its tracks and ensure Trenton doesn’t crush the very opportunities our residents depend on.”
Assemblyman Scharfenberger said at the time:
“The proposed changes would be disastrous for anyone who depends on the flexibility that independent contracting provide. From small business owners to part-time freelancers, this is a lifeline for thousands of people across New Jersey. Stripping away this independence would burden both gig workers as well as businesses who prefer to work with independent contractors in a more copacetic arrangement. This is government fixing what isn’t broken—and we will not let it happen.”
Say it louder, New Jersey legislators.
Say. It. Louder.