During the last legislative session, the legislature passed, and Governor Kim Reynolds signed a historic occupational licensing reform measure. The law allows for universal recognition of out-of-state licenses, waives licensing fees for low-income individuals, and establishes a standard for a fairer review process if a license is denied based on past criminal convictions. Policymakers have an opportunity to build upon […]
The ability for Iowans to earn a living and those who relocate to Iowa will be greatly improved due to the historic occupational licensing reform passed by the legislature. Governor Kim Reynolds, who made occupational licensing reform a priority in her Condition of the State address, is expected to sign the legislation. The reform will allow for universal recognition of […]
By Matthew D. Mitchell, Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center COVID-19 presents a challenge of extraordinary scale and complexity. State policymakers across the country, like so many of us, want to know what they can do to help our nation’s healthcare professionals rise to this challenge. Their first task should be to eliminate or suspend laws that stand in the […]
States Lead The Way in Coronavirus Crisis With Emergency Removal of Occupational Licensing Obstacles—Why Not Make Them Permanent? Today, Vice President Mike Pence announced that the Department of Health and Human Services is considering a national emergency order that would allow doctors throughout the country to practice across state lines. This would be a good move, and luckily, many […]
Iowa, along with several other states, is considering occupational licensing reform. Reducing occupational licensing barriers will provide new opportunities for workers, attract new people to Iowa, and create a more competitive business environment. One aspect of occupational licensing reform is establishing reciprocity, or a universal licensing recognition, for out-of-state licensees. The Iowa legislature is currently considering reciprocity as part of […]
A Legislative Year for Smaller Government and Smarter Solutions Iowa is in an exciting place as we start a new decade of the 21st century. Iowa’s economy is strong and our state budget has an estimated $470 million budget surplus. This does not mean that we do not have policy problems, but we can ensure that all Iowans will […]
Reducing barriers will provide new opportunities for workers, attract new people to Iowa, and create a more competitive business environment. Among Iowa policymakers and business leaders, a consensus exists that a major problem for the state’s economy is a shortage of skilled workers. In fact, this need for workers often overshadows Iowa’s low unemployment rate. One area of regulatory […]
Iowa needs more workers. Changing our burdensome occupational licenses would help Iowans climb the employment ladder and open the door to new residents. Occupational licensing can be both excessive and expensive. This past spring Arizona became the first state in the nation to pass a universal licensing recognition for out-of-state job licensees. The Grand Canyon State is now more […]
Protecting the safety and health of citizens is a legitimate function of government. Occupational licensing is not necessarily the only way to do that, and a balance must be struck between regulation and liberty. Iowa’s policymakers and business leaders agree: The state’s economy needs more skilled workers. One area of regulatory reform state leaders should look at to address […]
Barbers and hairstylists in Iowa must cut through massive amounts of red tape before they can cut hair. Red tape, in the form of excessive regulations, makes it harder for Iowa to attract new residents and create new opportunities for current workers. Sadly, these burdensome regulations are not only cost-prohibitive for many, but they also shut the door on improving […]
Two states take a bite out of occupational licensing by allowing reciprocity. Arizona has led the way by granting reciprocity for out-of-state licenses. Arizona will grant a license “to new residents who were licensed for at least one year in another state, so long as their credentials haven’t been revoked, they’re not the subject of any pending investigation, and […]
Arizona is a national leader in occupational licensing reform and creating an environment where everyone can work and earn a living. States are in fierce competition to attract new citizens. Those with low tax rates are already proving that tax rates matter, while states with higher rates are experiencing an exodus as people leave for better tax and economic climates. […]
The Right to Earn a Living Act, along with additional occupational licensing reform, will reduce barriers to the workforce and create economic opportunity and liberty. “Just because somebody packs up that moving van in Chicago, Illinois, they don’t lose their skills on the way to the state of Arizona. Why should somebody have to suffer the burden of thousands […]