Support for LAist comes from
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Stay Connected
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Listen
Podcasts Take Two
California's 'gig economy' could suffer under GOP health plan
solid orange rectangular banner
()
Mar 21, 2017
Listen 7:35
California's 'gig economy' could suffer under GOP health plan
Freelancers make up a large part of the workforce in California. It's made possible in part by the Affordable Care Act. But that could change Thursday.
A car with Uber and Lyft stickers at Los Angeles International Airport. Uber dominates the fast growing ride hailing business. But Lyft is waging a spirited battle to keep up.<strong></strong>
A car with Uber and Lyft stickers at Los Angeles International Airport. Uber dominates the fast growing ride hailing business. But Lyft is waging a spirited battle to keep up.<strong></strong>
(
Al Seib/LA Times via Getty Images
)

Freelancers make up a large part of the workforce in California. It's made possible in part by the Affordable Care Act. But that could change Thursday.

The so-called gig economy has seen some pretty significant gains in recent years. Think Uber and Lyft drivers. Food deliveries. Odd-jobs. 

Independent employment in LA jumped by 136 percent between 2012 and 2014, according to the Census Bureau.

Some credit the Affordable Care Act. Workers no longer depend on employers for health insurance. Now, the Republican plan to repeal Obamacare is scheduled for a vote in the House on Thursday.

Some worry the new plan, called the American Health Care Act, could end up crippling California's gig economy.

Politico's Victoria Colliver wrote about it and joined Take Two for more. 

To hear the full story, click the blue player above.