TPA Urges Senate to Reject President Biden’s Labor Nominee

For Immediate Release                                                 Contact: Abigail Graham: (202) 417-7235

March 1, 2023                                                                         

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) urges the United States Senate to reject President Biden’s Secretary of Labor nominee, Julie Su. At a time when Americans have been struggling with an unstable economy, many are looking for a second job to meet their financial needs. Julie Su’s track record for stifling the gig economy would hurt millions of Americans trying to make a living or supplement their incomes.

In response, TPA President David Williams, offered the following comment:

“If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that the gig economy is essential to many American workers and families. Americans have looked for second jobs — as independent contractors or freelancers — to keep up with record inflation to provide for their loved ones. From rideshare drivers to after-school tutors, the flexibility afforded to gig workers is also an essential option for so many.

“This is why Julie Su is the wrong choice to head the Department of Labor. When serving as Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, Su was a proponent of California Assembly Bill 5, which required independent contractors to reclassify as employees. This bill deprives gig workers of needed flexibility and serves as a deterrent to hiring them.

“With a national version of this bill, businesses would be put in an economic bind when considering contract workers. They’d likely have to let their existing contract workers go as well. These flawed attempts to upend our economy in this way should be disqualifying for a Cabinet-level position.

“TPA urges senators on both sides of the aisle to reject the nomination of Julie Su as Secretary of the Department of Labor.”

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Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.