I am pleased to join with New York's talented and hardworking freelancers in thanking Governor Cuomo for signing the legislation (A.6519-B) establishing the Freelancers Health Plan. This legislation will continue to provide more than 25,000 members of the fast-growing Freelancers Union access to essential health insurance coverage.

More and more businesses are relying on independent contractors to meet the constantly changing demands of consumers. To ensure that our economy continues to grow, we need to provide flexible options for businesses while ensuring that employees are provided access to affordable health care.

In 2009, New York was one of the first states in the nation to authorize a demonstration program to provide health insurance coverage to independent workers. The creation of the self-funded Freelancers Health Plan provides not only a crucial benefit at affordable rates, but peace of mind to working families as well.