AFP: Gov. Martinez Executive Order Increases Freedom, Opportunity for New Mexico

Jul 18, 2018 by AFP

Executive order helps break down barriers to opportunity

Albuquerque, N.M. – Americans for Prosperity-New Mexico (AFP-NM) today applauded Governor Susana Martinez for issuing an executive order that directs licensing boards to review all occupational licensing requirements in the state. The executive order also mandates that boards have to provide additional justification to require a license for an occupation for which fewer than 25 states license. AFP-NM has long opposed occupational licenses without compelling need.

“With the stroke of her pen, Gov. Martinez has taken an important first step toward increasing opportunities for all New Mexicans. Occupational licenses serve as barriers that have increasingly been used to protect special interests from competition, rather than the public from harm,” said Burly Cain, AFP-NM State Director. “New Mexicans shouldn’t need a permission slip to pursue their version of the American dream. We encourage Gov. Martinez and our legislators to keep fighting for more opportunity and freedom for all New Mexicans.”

Background:

A recent study released by the Institute for Justice shows New Mexico ranks as the 9^th most burdensome state in the country for occupational licensing.

The study showed lower-income occupations are licensed more in New Mexico than the national average – making it the 11^th most broadly and onerously licensed state in the nation. Making matters worse, New Mexico is one of the only states to license a dietetic technician, where individuals must pay $180 in fees and must complete more than two years of education and experience before they can start their job. Illogically, New Mexico also imposes 17 times more education and experience to work in a bill collection agency than it does to become an emergency first responder.