Stories From the Fight for Economic Opportunity
Real stories from real people impacted by job-killing regulations and economic hardship
Featured Stories
View MoreToo many Americans are chasing work because of government-imposed barriers. Some are succeeding, some are struggling, but all deserve a better chance.
Workers deserve freedom, flexibility, opportunity, and choice when it comes to work—and the government should get out of the way.
Patrick Turnbull, a retired landscape contractor from Sunland, California, has worked independently as Santa Claus for the past 20 years. But this year, he won’t get that chance.
View MoreExplore Our Voices
Americans are struggling to find work and afford basic necessities, and the Biden administration is exacerbating the problem through burdensome regulations. These stories highlight the dangers of government overreach and show how unnecessary interference takes away our freedoms and flexibility.
Profile
Cynthia’s Story | This Food Historian Documented The Midwest’s Agricultural Legacy Thanks To Freelance Work
For Cynthia Clampitt, freelance work has enabled her not only to become her mother’s…
Profile
Dawn’s Story | Teacher Frustrated by Barriers Raised by Unreasonable State Regulations
Dawn Roy is a teacher, but she’s had to jump numerous hurdles because of…
Profile
Kristin’s Story | Classical Soprano Refuses to Allow AB5 to Silence Her Voice
Classical soprano Kristin Genis-Lund says mid-tier opera companies are in jeopardy with AB5.
Commentary
Survey: Majority Of Moms And Dads Prefer Flexible Work
Many moms and dads discovered the joys of spending more time with their children,…
Commentary
President Biden’s (Destroy) American Jobs Plan
President Biden, the so-called “moderate” president of the United States, rolled out a $2…
Profile
Aaron’s Story | A Musician and His Family Look for a Viable Path Following AB5
Independent contracting makes it possible for this musician and bandleader to earn a living…
Profile
Jon’s Story | Freelancing Kept This Seasoned Marketing Pro in the Workforce, Until AB5
A senior marketing professional has relied on freelancing to remain in the workforce as…
Profile
Lisa’s Story | Contractor Wants Her Freedom to Work Back That AB5 Took Away
A former marketing and advertising director fell in love with freelancing and enjoys tailoring…
Commentary
Administration Finalizes Rule To Protect Independent Workers
As the balance of power in the Senate hangs by a thread, the administration…
Profile
Marguerite’s Story | Mrs. Claus Faces the Unemployment Line This Christmas Thanks to AB5
Marguerite Kusuhara is an entertainer whose favorite role is Mrs. Claus. Now, thanks to…
Documentary
Patrick’s Story | AB5 Sends Santa Claus To The Unemployment Line
Patrick Turnbull, a retired landscape contractor from Sunland, California, has worked independently as Santa…
Profile
Kevin’s Story | Despite Being Exempt From AB5, Graphic Designers Are Still Out of Work
Even though graphic designers received an exemption from California’s AB5, many of them are…
Documentary
Monica’s Story | A Florist and Cancer Survivor Is Forced to Shutter Her Business Due to AB5
Monica Wyman is a wedding florist in SoCal who struggled to hire per-event freelancers…
Profile
Dori’s Story | AB5 Wrote Work Out Of CA For This Transcriptionist
A transcriptionist blames California’s AB5 for destroying the freedom and flexibility she needed to…
Profile
Katerina’s Story | AB5 Derails Interpreter’s Dream of Owning Her Own Business
A California native hoped to make her dreams of owning her own interpreting agency…
Profile
Karen’s Story | Freelancer Fights for the Right to Work in California
A long-time California freelancer is fighting for the rights of independent contractors across the…
Profile
Jennifer’s Story | Restricted by Government Regulations, a Writer and Yoga Instructor Loses Work
A writer and yoga instructor values the creative freedom to follow her dueling passions.…
Profile
Tony’s Story | AB5 Prevents a Court Interpreter From Helping Those in Need
A freelance court interpreter dedicated his life to becoming a voice for those who…
Profile
David’s Story | California Freelancer Fights to Save His Livelihood
A California freelancer fights back when he sees his livelihood slipping away due to…
Profile
Sophia’s Story | An ASL Interpreter Wants to Help the Disabled, But AB5 Won’t Let Her
A California interpreter’s life’s work is taken away by new restrictions on independent contractors.
Profile
JoBeth’s Story | AB5 Completely Crushes a California Writer’s Dream
JoBeth McDaniel has enjoyed the perks of working as a freelance journalist since it…
Profile
Brittany’s Story | New Mexico Nurse Eases Stress on New Jersey Hospital
Same-day license approval allows a nurse to provide relief for overworked nurses in New…
Your Voices
“Freelancing is not for everyone, but it definitely suits me..."
"I saw my own kids struggle..."
“It’s not feasible for these mid-tier companies to comply with AB5..."
“There is nothing helpful, nothing constructive, nothing of any decency involved in AB5..."
“AB5 is a poster child for union-based political corruption..."
“We feel very targeted and victimized [by AB5]..."
“Everybody is saying just get another job. Really? I don’t think so. Not caring for an 82 year old husband..."
“I’ve had exactly zero work in 2020 due to the perfect storm of AB5 and COVID-19..."
“I should not have to close my business because I cannot hire in extra help on occasion..."
“My income has dropped down to a quarter of what it was before AB5..."
Stories from Across the Nation
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