Dupage Policy Journal

Mark Rice, an 8th Congressional District candidate, is criticizing his opponent, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), for his alleged support of policies that could harm entrepreneurs and freelancers by backing the nationalization of California’s controversial AB 5 law, which has faced criticism for its impact on independent contractors. Rice highlighted Krishnamoorthi’s co-sponsorship of the ProAct, a bill he claims could be detrimental to the approximately 59 million entrepreneurs or freelancers.

“My opponent Dem Rep Raja Krishnamoorthi, who co-sponsored the ProAct that aimed to destroy entrepreneurs or freelancers (which is about 59 million), will likely back his fellow tyrannical and communist democrat cohorts turning AB 5 into national policy,” Rice expressing concern that Krishnamoorthi and other Democratic cohorts may support turning AB 5 into national policy, citing President Biden’s push for federal legislation that could restrict freelancing. “Biden wants a federal law that could place steep restrictions on who can be a freelancer.”

Rice further said it would make it more challenging to categorize workers.

“A U.S. Department of Labor rule proposed would make it more difficult for companies to treat workers as independent contractors,” Rice added in his Facebook post. “This is expected to shake up ride-hailing, delivery and other industries that rely on ‘gig workers.’

“Freelance writers, editors, web developers, etc. also are concerned. The Subcommittee hearing last April was entitled ‘Biden’s War on Independent Contractors’… this says it all.”

U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) has expressed strong opposition to the Biden Administration’s proposed “Independent Contractor” rule. According to Kiley, the rule, modeled on California’s AB 5 law, could jeopardize the livelihoods of millions of Americans who work as independent contractors. The potential impact on various professions, from writers to musicians, was emphasized, with Kiley asserting that turning AB 5 into national policy could result in the loss of millions of jobs. Kiley further argued that even if it were possible to convert independent contractors into employees by legal command, it would go against the preferences of many, as 79% of independent contractors prefer their current worker status.

“With a single stroke of Newsom’s pen in 2019, AB 5 rendered countless independent professionals unable to earn a living in our state,” Kiley said on X. “Writers, interpreters, court reporters, musicians, language pathologists, photographers, forensic nurses, and people in literally hundreds of other industries were told they were no longer allowed to practice their profession and serve their clients as they’d been doing their whole careers.”

“Turning AB 5 into national policy, as Biden is set to do, will multiply these losses. An economic analysis by the Chamber of Progress shows the full-time or part-time jobs of between 3.2 and 3.8 million independent contractors could be lost – equivalent to roughly half the jobs lost in the Great Recession.”

“Even where it is possible to convert independent contractors into employees by legal command, it’s not what they want,” Kiley added. “Seventy-nine percent of independent contractors prefer their current worker status. It lets them set their own schedules and be their own boss.”

“AB 5 has not only been rejected by the very people it is supposedly meant to help, but also by California voters and by the courts.”

Highlighting the rejection of AB 5 by California voters in 2020, Kiley announced his intention to introduce legislation under the Congressional Review Act to repeal the Biden Administration’s rule once it is finalized.

Rice’s bid for the 8th Congressional District highlights key focuses, including promoting economic growth, upholding fiscal responsibility, enacting tax relief, and tackling issues related to immigration reform and border security. He has lived in Illinois for 35 years and currently serves as the CEO of Energy CX, positioning him as a notable executive in the energy sector. He oversees a team of 70 in his current position, according to his website. The 8th Congressional District, covering northern Cook County, northern DuPage County and northeast Kane County, is currently held by Krishnamoorthi.