Posted on 07/31/2015 10:39:13 AM PDT by Forgotten Amendments
Libertarians have been objecting to occupational licensing on these grounds for decades, of course; the free-market friendly Institute for Justice has even been systematically suing to bring about their demise. But it's rare to see federal agencies recommend against more economic regulation, so let's all just savor this small victory a moment. The scathing report paints occupational licensing as a regulatory scheme that serves almost no one any good—raising consumer costs while failing to deliver improved quality; reducing employment opportunities, especially among the most economically vulnerable; and hampering state-to-state mobility and market innovation.
"By one estimate, licensing restrictions cost millions of jobs nationwide and raise consumer expenses by over one hundred billion dollars," the report authors write.
(Excerpt) Read more at reason.com ...
So far it's just talk. But, at least some bureaucrat has a brain.
The White House's new report critical of occupational licensing may be a good sign or first step, but we're a long way at best from states actually making reforms.
Sorry about the HTML typo.
“But forced union membership and dues are something we’d like to see nationwide.”
Let me guues: Feral solution is to have Fdreal licensing.
I certainly think that licensing requirements for many professions are over the top. But are we willing to do away with licensing medical professionals? Dentists?
And isn’t this a State issue? There is more than enough burdensome federal requirements out there, get rid of those!
Yeah, let’s let doctors just hang up a shingle......................
WHITE PRIVILEDGE!
Yeah, let’s let doctors just hang up a shingle......................
“Disparate Impact”
There are some licenses that common sense would dictate, in order to control liability insurance. My hairdresser, manicurist, dog groomer, etc, etc. are just being forced to renew an annual license for the revenue.
I even have a specific type of state license to type an invoice for a certain product. I'm not a salesman of the product, but if I type a customer invoice, I immediately become a salesman in the eyes of the state.
It’s all about revenue.
All wars have been fought for the same reason: Who gets to collect the taxes..........................
What about plumbers and electricians? I hope they would be expert and competent, and not just some guy that started yesterday with a sign and a website.................
You’re right; there is more to this than revenue (safety, hygiene, etc.). I think the government is preparing for a whole generation that sees no point in getting licensed if they’re just going to pull in low wages anyway; they are also accepting that more and more people working in the swelling underground economy will never bother to get licensed (if they even speak English).
“And isn’t this a State issue?”
For certain professions that interact with Fedgov either through bidding or indirect funding a state license is required to participate.
Engineers, surveyors, appraisers are a few that come to mind.
I plumbed and wired my own house and saved many thousands of dollars. It isn't hard to do.
I could as well, if I had to, but there are many who don’t know which end of the wrench to use....................
“I plumbed and wired my own house and saved many thousands of dollars. It isn’t hard to do.”
If you ever have a fire, your insurance company may likewise save many thousands of dollars if they find out your house was not wired by a licensed electrician. I’m not saying it’s good or bad.....that’s a question you should ask.
“isn’t this a State issue”
It is, but....the article says poor downtrodden immigrants may be inconvenienced as the reason for getting rid of licenses.
I’m a professional engineer. I have to get licensed in each state. It’s unnecessary and impedes commerce. Most states engineering boards do very little but collect fees.
I’m happy to demonstrate competence, but why do I have to do it in every state?
Unnecessary licensing will eventually be ignored. Immigrants have nothing to lose. Why bother getting licensed if there is no penalty for you? There is for me though....
Wrong. Federal employees are exempt from state licensing requirements.
How is becoming a licensed “fill in the blank” bad? I guess if you want your doctor, lawyer, engineer, plumber, not to meet national standards then go for it.
I too am a professional engineer and I think if one is tested and granted a license in a state that should suffice. Granted I’m only familiar with the NW, but California (seismic) and Alaska (artic engineering) have requirements that some may not have competency in. Although California’s requirement for Civil Engineers to take a 4 hour survey test is absurd since I will rely on land surveyors to provide the data I need.
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