On October 25, Institute senior economist Susan Houseman was a featured speaker on a panel titled "The Rise and Implications of the 1099 Economy." The panel was organized by the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs and featured Houseman along with Alan Krueger, David Weil, and Robert Solow.
More and more workers are employed as independent contractors and freelancers (receiving 1099 tax forms), often “on-demand” and organized through digital platforms like Uber, Taskrabbit, and others. The speakers address what is behind this trend, the implications for workers and for the broader economy, and the implications for public policy.