A Future That Works: New Democrat Coalition Puts Forth Policy Proposal to Modernize the Worker Safety Net

This week the New Democrat Coalition’s Future of Work Task Force, co-chaired by Reps. Bill Foster, Seth Moulton, and Jared Polis, released the second report in the new economic opportunity agenda: A Future that Works. The report, Creating a 21st Century Social Contract, outlines policy recommendations to create a social contract that works for the future. The policy recommendations include updating the social contract by creating an option of portable benefits, modernizing the worker safety net, and expanding eligibility for these protections and programs.

“Prior generations designed our safety net and benefits system for a traditional, full-time worker. As our economy has changed, the laws, policies and support structures that protect and promote American workers remain relics of a bygone era. While many still enjoy the stability of the 20th century social contract, a growing number of workers find themselves left out,” said New Democrat Coalition Chair Himes.

In releasing the policy proposal, the New Democrats said that any new social contract should be universal, portable and innovative. They argue that all workers should have access to worker benefits, protections, and the safety net untethered from employers to provide portability, security and mobility.

“All workers should have certainty and security, and all companies should be able to either provide benefits or contributions towards benefits for those who provide work for them. We need a modern, 21st century social contract,” said Himes.

Over the past year, the Task Force has convened forums on Capitol Hill to discuss the challenges that workers across America face today. New Democrat Coalition Members say their goal is to find policy solutions to address the opportunities and challenges related to the evolving nature of work in the changing economy.

Read the full report here.