Madison– Thousands of Wisconsinites rely on the flexibility of gig economy platforms like DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber to earn money on their own terms. Now, thanks to groundbreaking legislation from Senator Julian Bradley (R–New Berlin), those workers could soon gain access to important benefits—without sacrificing the independence that drew them to the gig economy in the first place.
On Tuesday, Senator Bradley, joined by Representative Alex Dallman (R–Green Lake), testified in support of Senate Bill 256, a first-in-the-nation proposal that would establish portable benefits accounts for gig economy drivers in Wisconsin. The bill would allow companies to voluntarily contribute to benefit accounts for their drivers—accounts that could be used to fund retirement savings, cover premiums for vision, dental, or health insurance, or provide income support during life events such as illness, injury, or the birth of a child.
“This bill is a huge win for retirees looking to stay active, students paying their way through school, parents needing flexible hours, and entrepreneurs investing in their futures,” said Senator Bradley. “SB 256 removes the red tape that prevents more than 100,000 Wisconsin gig workers from accessing meaningful benefits—without forcing them to give up the freedom and independence they value as independent contractors.”
According to a recent survey, over 88% of gig drivers say flexibility and independence are the top reasons they choose this line of work. However, under current Wisconsin law, companies are prohibited from offering these kinds of benefits to gig workers without risking their independent contractor status.
Following Tuesday’s hearing, Senator Bradley is optimistic about the bill’s momentum and confident it will lead to meaningful change for gig workers across Wisconsin.
