Perhaps the best occupational licensing reform package in the nation passed in Ohio late last year. Republicans in the legislature are not resting on their laurels, and new solid licensing reform bills are alive and advancing.
This week, Representative Jena Powell highlighted her legislation, co-sponsored with Representative Lang, which would bring full licensing reciprocity to the Buckeye State. Similar to how you can drive in multiple states with one license, the bill would have Ohio recognize occupational licenses from other states.
Currently, people moving into Ohio whose professions require a license have to reapply to get an Ohio-specific license. This can mean significant added costs, and time spent, all the while the person is missing out on income because they can’t do the job they have been doing.
The damage done to workers and the economy in Ohio is significant. According to an Institute for Justice report, the cost of licensing to the state amounts to 67,000 jobs and over $209 million lost. Meanwhile over $6 billion in resources have been misallocated.
This puts government in the way of people and jobs, which is the exact opposite of the usual jobs talk we hear on the campaign trail. At a press conference Wednesday, Senator Roegner and Senator McColley announced their sponsorship of a Senate companion bill.
Licensing also places a significant burden on military spouses who often have to uproot and move because their wife or husband is reassigned to another part of the country. The Buckeye Institute testified on the issue, saying:
“On average, military families move once every three years.[1] Such frequent relocation understandably affects job prospects and opportunities for military spouses and family members. A recent report by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families shows that the unemployment rate among female military spouses ages 18-24 has increased dramatically from 15 percent to 30 percent over a 12-year period.”
Senate Bill 7 would directly address this issue, and has already been passed by the House.
The impressive push from legislators on these issues deserves the full support of Ohioans, and promises to keep Ohio on the cutting edge of licensing reform that boosts the state’s economy.
Watch the full press conference here: