'Hear The Terrified Voices'
Three more New Jersey lawmakers just slammed the state's Department of Labor over its proposed independent-contractor rule.
The website of New Jersey Senate Republicans just posted a press release that fiercely condemns the state Department of Labor’s proposed independent-contractor rule.
State Senator Declan O’Scanlon, Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger and Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn, all Republicans, slammed the proposed rule change.
“Governor Murphy and his Department of Labor now seem to be coming back at this issue on their way out the door with their new rule proposal regarding independent contractors that, if what we’re hearing from so many worried independent contractors is true, will only serve to make New Jersey more unaffordable for hardworking residents,” said Sen. O’Scanlon.
“That the policy, which could have a wide-reaching impact on everything from rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, to freelance writers and photographers, insurance agents, baseball umpires, and countless other professions, is happening without legislative input is also concerning.
“The Governor, and the folks at the Department of Labor, should hear the terrified voices of these hard-working independent workers and abandon any effort or policy change that would negatively impact them. No one should want to lower pay, eliminate worker flexibility, and increase the cost of your next delivery order or the registration fee for your child’s sports league.
“I’m looking forward to hearing from the Department after the comment period on this policy is over with assurance that they’ve heard from all those potentially impacted. As I’ve formed a good working relationship with the Department, I’m going to remain cautiously optimistic. Our system is working now, no one has made a sound argument for significant change. Devastating these people, as was attempted in California and attempted, and resoundingly defeated, here in 2019, isn’t an option anyone in New Jersey should tolerate. We won’t.”
Here is the press release in full:
Everybody Say It Louder
This is now the fourth group of lawmakers who have raised their voices in writing against New Jersey’s proposed freelance-busting rule.
On June 4, Democrats Joe Lagana, Gordon Johnson, Gerry Scharfenberger and Andrew Zwicker—all state Senate committee chairmen—sent this letter citing “substantial negative impact.”
On July 21, Democrats Vin Gopal—who is state Senate Minority Whip—Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul sent this letter stating that “the proposed rule would hurt independent contractors.”
On July 23, Republicans Parker Space, Dawn Fantasia and Mike Inganamort (who represent me in District 24) sent this letter urging the Department of Labor to withdraw the proposed rule in its entirety.
The deadline is August to submit public comments against the proposed New Jersey rule. Please add your voice in urging the state to stop this freelance busting.
Say. It. Louder.
To file your own public comment in opposition to New Jersey’s proposed independent contractor rule, email david.fish@dol.nj.gov or fill out the form at Save Independent Work by the August 6 deadline.