AFP: Sweeping Gov. Martinez Executive Order Breaks Barriers

Oct 3, 2018 by AFP

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Americans for Prosperity-New Mexico (AFP-NM) on Wednesday applauded a new executive order issued by Gov. Susana Martinez that is an unprecedented reform that will break down barriers to opportunity for thousands of New Mexicans and make it easier for them to find work and succeed. It will also give New Mexico’s consumers greater access to much needed services and products to improve their lives.

The sweeping executive order would direct the state to accept occupational licenses from other states, accept professional experience as a substitute for reciprocal licensure, ensure that ex-offenders are given greater opportunity to earn a living by not being needlessly shut out of professions, and let an individual get to work without an occupational license so long as the unlicensed professional makes clear to customers that they are not licensed by the state. AFP-NM has long advocated for eliminating occupational licenses that don’t have compelling need.

“Gov. Martinez’s executive order is one of the most significant occupational licensing reforms made by any state, ever, and one that will help break down barriers to opportunity for thousands of New Mexicans,” said AFP-NM State Director Burly Cain. “New Mexicans shouldn’t need a government permission slip to find work and support their families or to purchase critical services and products as consumers. Our activists look forward to building on this momentum to ensure this reform is implemented and remains intact in the years to come.”

This executive order would empower an individual to practice an occupation [excluding occupations in the medical field] without an occupational license so long as (1) the individual or individual’s employer informs each prospective customer that the individual is not licensed by the State of New Mexico, and (2) the customer signs a written contract acknowledging the disclosure.

Background:

This executive order follows a related order Gov. Martinez issued in July.

A 2017 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.

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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