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occupational licensing

New Study Highlights Need for Occupational Licensing Reform

Naples, FL — A new study released today by the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) underscores the need for states to reduce barriers to work and dispels common myths that prevent lawmakers from reforming occupational licensing.

While many states have taken the lead in reforming occupational licensing—government-approved requirements that an individual must gain to work in a profession—to give people the freedom to work, special interest groups often persuade lawmakers that reform is not necessary, citing undue public safety and quality concerns.

FGA’s new memo highlights how unfounded these claims are, concluding that licensing has little effect on public safety and can reduce service quality. Additionally, licensing often harms low-income individuals, as more industries have added layers of regulations to job-seekers.

“With record-low unemployment and millions of available jobs across the country, now is the opportune time to unleash the freedom to work. Lawmakers have an unprecedented opportunity to reform unnecessary and burdensome regulations that prevent people from finding jobs—while also protecting public safety and ensuring quality control,” said Jared Meyer, Senior Fellow at FGA.

The full study can be read here.

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The Foundation for Government Accountability is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that specializes in health care, welfare, and work reform. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.

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