AFP-NJ Applauds Occupational Licensing Reform Bill Passage of State Legislature

Jan 8, 2018 by AFP

TRENTON, NJ – Americans for Prosperity-New Jersey (AFP-NJ) today commended the New Jersey Senate for passing Senate Bill 1599, which would help bring transparency to the exclusionary nature of certain occupational licensing boards by requiring them to report licensure exam passage rates. Occupational licenses mandate that workers receive a government permission slip to work in certain profession, making it more difficult for them to support themselves or their families. The bill now goes to Gov. Christie’s desk for his signature.

“For too long, our state’s burdensome occupational licenses have limited economic opportunities for many New Jersey residents while disproportionately preventing lower and middle-class residents from making their American dream a reality. This legislation is a step in the right direction, and will serve as a springboard for more substantial occupational licensing reform that ensures these laws actually protect the health and safety of consumers – not favor special interests and licensing boards,” said AFP-NJ State Director Erica Jedynak. “We applaud the legislature for their work in passing this bill and urge them to continue to look for opportunities to reform and remove these barriers to opportunity.”

Background:

AFP-NJ State Director Erica Jedynak’s letter urging the Senate Commerce Committee to pass Senate Bill 1599 can be viewed here.

A recent study by the Institute for Justice found New Jersey ranks as one of the country’s worse states for occupational licenses. Of 54 occupations that require government permission slips, the average worker pays $224 in fees and loses 422 days to education and experience requirements.

The Institute for Justice study examined both the breadth and burdens of 102 different lower-income occupational licenses. The study can be viewed here.

Americans for Prosperity-New Jersey has long advocated for eliminating burdensome occupational licensing requirements. In June, AFP-NJ hosted a rally with the Institute for Justice in Trenton to call on legislators to eliminate mandates that it illegal to braid hair for profit. To get licensed, aspiring hair braiders have to spend 1,200 hours at an expensive cosmetology school that doesn’t even teach natural braiding techniques. To watch highlights of the rally, click here.

For further information or an interview, reach Lorenz Isidro at LIsidro@afphq.org or (703) 887-7724.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) exists to recruit, educate, and mobilize citizens in support of the policies and goals of a free society at the local, state, and federal level, helping every American live their dream – especially the least fortunate. AFP has more than 3.2 million activists across the nation, a local infrastructure that includes 36 state chapters, and has received financial support from more than 100,000 Americans in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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