Madison, WI – Senator Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin) and Rep. Alex Dallman (R-Markesan) slammed Governor Tony Evers today for vetoing a bipartisan bill that would have made Wisconsin among the first states in the nation to create portable benefits accounts for app-based drivers. The Governor’s veto halts a transformative reform that would have given more than 100,000 Wisconsinites access to basic benefits while preserving the independence that drew them to gig work in the first place.
“Governor Evers just told over 100,000 Wisconsinites that they don’t matter,” said Senator Bradley. “This veto blocks working parents, students, retirees, and entrepreneurs from building additional financial security – all because the Governor refuses to accept that work in the 21st century doesn’t look like it did when he was young.”
The bill would have allowed gig economy companies like Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, and Lyft to voluntarily contribute to worker-controlled benefit accounts, which could be used for health care, time off, or even retirement.
More than 88% of drivers say they choose this kind of work specifically for the freedom and independence it offers. Under current law, companies are discouraged from offering any support for fear of legal consequences. The bill would have changed that, without creating new mandates, government-run systems, or red tape.
“Governor Evers talks a lot about helping working families, but when it came time to act, he caved to outdated special interest politics,” added Rep. Dallman. “He vetoed innovation, he vetoed independence, and he vetoed hope for thousands of Wisconsinites who just want a fair shot.”
Both legislators have vowed to continue fighting for solutions that reflect the future of work and the modern economy.
