Worker misclassification is a pervasive issue that touches multiple branches of the federal government. Here are the Washington leaders who have the greatest ability to effect change.
THE WHITE HOUSE: The executive branch of the federal government works to carry out the president’s agenda, including prioritizing policies.
President Barack Obama: 202-456-1111, 202-456-1414; http://1.usa.gov/1b63vOg
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR: Administers federal labor laws that guarantee rights to proper working conditions, a minimum hourly wage and overtime pay, among other things.
Wage and Hour Administrator David Weil: 866-487-9243; http://1.usa.gov/UXB3Xq
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT: Works with local housing authorities to implement federally funded housing programs and provides some training and oversight to ensure workers are paid proper wages.
Secretary Julian Castro: 202-708-0417; http://1.usa.gov/1p1Z1YK
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE: Collects taxes and pursues individuals and companies that violate the tax code.
Commissioner John Koskinen: 202-622-2000; to report suspected fraud, go to http://1.usa.gov/1lEh9fc
U.S. SENATE: The upper chamber of Congress. Committees specialize in a variety of topics, such as transportation, workers rights and the environment. The committees consider bills introduced by members, and often write and vote on legislation, which can die in committee or be recommended for floor consideration.
Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.: 202-224-3542; http://1.usa.gov/1mn7XYH
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: The lower chamber of Congress. The speaker leads the House. As in the Senate, committees consider legislation. The Rules Committee, controlled by the majority party – now Republicans – largely determines what the full House considers.
Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio: 202-225-0600; http://1.usa.gov/18kgPNw