Leave Others with the Bill, or the Importance of Human Context
Things That Make You Go Hmm
Ever stumble on a rule or proposal that made you go, “Wait a sec. Who is this really helping?”
Well, that was me, reading the new proposed version of the HIRE Act (not to be confused with either the 2010 or 2023 one).
See, this bill claims it will protect U.S. jobs. How? By imposing a 25% excise tax on a U.S. business that hires foreign contractors whose services benefit U.S. consumers.
Fly Like an Eagle
It sounds patriotic, right? Sure, until you realize:
And, ready for the kicker? No proposed carve-outs for social entrepreneurs (think B-Corporations), hybrid teams (hi, Tech innovators), or values-driven business owners trying to do things the right way.
Even respected firms like BDO & Woodard acknowledge how vague & wide-reaching this proposal is.
We’re the Kids of America
Though this proposal is currently stalled, I’d like us to have the necessary & courageous conversations.
So, moving forward let’s:
Instead of celebrating quick-fix slogans, let’s ask “who’s carrying the burden, and who’s walking through the loophole?”
This isn’t only in everyday government exchanges. This happens in workplaces as well.
If a goal sounds noble but there’s fine print punishing the wrong folk, then it’s not policy.
It’s politricks (cue the Paycheck Protection Program).
Global hiring or services, done ethically are not the enemy. They’re often how real-world small businesses stay afloat.
I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing
I consider myself a Social Capitalist. I’m pro true Capitalism, while still keeping an eye on benefits to people and progress.
I’ve worked with teams off-shore, on-shore, and everywhere in between. And I can tell you with certainty: a zip (or postal) code doesn’t tell the whole story.
Have you ever had to pay the price, literally or emotionally, for someone else’s one-size-fits-all “solution”? How’d you handle it?
Reply & let me know.
To your success always,
Paula
Your Numbers-Believin’, Rhythm-Holdin’, Pebble-Droppin’ BFF