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Expanding the Workforce

Young people and workers need states to act fast. As a recession becomes more likely, so do their chances of being laid off, overlooked, and left behind. For many teenagers and twenty-somethings, starting a business is their best bet to come through a downturn in the short term and contribute to the economy and their communities over the long run. But first, they need government regulations to get out of their way.

FGA is committed to offering state legislators real, commonsense solutions that lawmakers can implement in states to engage and win the war on work.

To foster entrepreneurship and build the workforce, states should remove existing barriers to work using these solutions:
  • Eliminate Youth Work Permits
  • Preempt Local Licensing
  • Protect Home-Based Work
  • Grant Licenses to Experienced Professionals
  • Allow Apprenticeships for Licensed Occupations
  • Establish Sunrise and Sunset Review for Occupational Regulations
  • Require Periodic Reauthorization for Occupational Licenses
  • Treat Work Experience as Continuing Education
  • Waive Initial Licensing Fees
  • Protect Financially Struggling Workers from License Revocation
  • Provide Credit for Licensing Fees During Shutdowns
  • Create a Regulatory Sandbox for Entry-Level Workers

Our Workforce and Entrepreneurship Experts
Alli Fick
Alli Fick

Research Director

Brian Sikma
Brian Sikma

Senior Fellow

Haley Holik
Haley Holik

Senior Fellow

Jonathan Bain
Jonathan Bain

Senior Research Fellow

Jonathan Ingram
Jonathan Ingram

Vice President of Policy and Research

Nicholas Adolphsen
Nicholas Adolphsen

State Government Affairs Director

At FGA, we don’t just talk about changing policy—we make it happen.

By partnering with FGA through a gift, you can create more policy change that returns America to a country where entrepreneurship thrives, personal responsibility is rewarded, and paychecks replace welfare checks.