CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Americans for Prosperity–West Virginia (AFP-WV) today applauded West Virginia’s rise from 11th to 5th in the nation in the American Legislative Exchange Council’s latest States That Work rankings.
ALEC ranks all 50 states on pro-worker, pro-growth labor policies designed to increase worker freedom, flexibility, and economic mobility.
West Virginia’s six-spot climb follows the passage of Senate Bill 458, the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025, a major AFP-WV priority that allows qualified professionals licensed in other states to move to West Virginia and get to work without unnecessarily repeating examinations and licensing requirements.
AFP-WV State Director Jason Huffman released the following statement:
“This is what happens when West Virginia gets government out of the way of people who want to work. A skilled worker doesn’t suddenly lose their skills when they cross the state line. Universal licensing tore down one of those needless barriers, and now West Virginia has jumped six spots into the top five states in America for worker freedom.
“One good policy can make a big difference. Keep cutting red tape, keep making it easier to work and build a business here, and West Virginia will keep climbing.”