Jackson, MS — On Tuesday, Americans for Prosperity-Mississippi (AFP-MS) State Director Starla Brown and AFP Employment Policy Fellow Austen Bannan testified before the Mississippi Senate Insurance Committee to urge the advancement of voluntary portable benefits legislation for Magnolia State’s growing independent workforce.
AFP-MS State Director Starla Brown said:
“Today’s workforce has changed, with over a quarter million Mississippi residents who are freelancers, contractors, or self-employed workers. As workers move away from traditional employment, they often lack job-based benefits such as health insurance and paid leave. Outdated labor laws have forced workers to choose between flexibility or access to benefits.
“The solution is simple: modernize benefits policy by advancing voluntary portable benefits reforms that will remove barriers while preserving freedom and flexibility. Portable benefits are for the construction worker in Gulfport juggling three clients, the childcare provider in Jackson who is her own boss, and the delivery driver in Tupelo who would benefit without sacrificing the flexibility that allows her to be home for her kids. AFP-MS will continue to urge lawmakers to advance legislation that focuses on worker-first solutions.”
Austen Bannan, AFP Employment Policy Fellow, said:
“Across Mississippi, self-employment continues to grow as workers seek flexibility, independence, and additional income opportunities. Approximately 270,000 self-employed workers in the Magnolia State, including independent contractors, contribute roughly $12.5 billion in annual revenue and economic activity, but are less likely to have benefits. That is why today portable benefits are needed to ensure workers can have access to health coverage and expenses, retirement investments, disability protection, and paid leave. By enacting portable benefits reforms, we can strengthen economic security and opportunity while embracing a pathway for Mississippi workers to pursue opportunity on their own terms.”
