Setting Up a Pro-Work Regulatory Environment
Implement Zero-Based Regulation
States should require regulations to periodically sunset and require agencies to reevaluate and resubmit those through the rulemaking process.
Create A Regulatory Safe Harbor
States should allow regulated entities to request advisory opinions from state agencies regarding those regulations, require agencies to respond to those requests, and treat reliance on such advisory opinions as a valid defense in any related enforcement action by the agencies.
Create a Regulatory Sandbox for Entrepreneurs
States should create temporary exemptions to regulations so that start-ups can develop new products and services without the risk of fines or penalties.
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commentary
Congress Joins The Fight Against Occupational Licensing
On April 26, Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) introduced the New HOPE Act, which would allow governors to use existing federal funds for technical education “to identify and eliminate excessive occupational licensure.” Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) has introduced similar legislation in the Senate. This bill follows the licensing reforms that Rep. Walberg unsuccessfully pushed last year. […]
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research
Expanded Apprenticeships: The Untapped Potential in the Pathway to Work
The problem: Out-of-control licensing is holding workers back Occupational licensing was originally designed as a way to protect consumers and ensure capable individuals were in high-skill positions. But licensing has moved far beyond its original purpose, and research shows that it has little effect on public safety for many professions and can even reduce service […]
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research
Florida’s Entrepreneurship Agenda: A Roadmap to Removing Barriers to Work
Florida’s entrepreneurship agenda gets government out of the way and ensures local governments do not hold back entrepreneurs.
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research
Keep Americans Working: Removing Unnecessary Barriers for Workers Struggling with Student Loan Debt
The problem: States are attacking workers Occupational licensing has grown rampant in recent years. Occupational licensure now affects more American workers than minimum wage laws or unionization. In the 1950s, fewer than five percent of U.S. workers were required to have a state-issued license to work. Today, this number has risen to nearly 30 percent. Individuals […]
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Our Workforce and Entrepreneurship Solutions
Expanding the Workforce
- Grant Licenses To Experienced Professionals
- Allow Apprenticeships For Licensed Occupations
- Establish Sunrise And& Sunset Reviews For Occupational Regulation To Avoid Anti-Trust Challenges
- Require Periodic Reauthorization For Occupational Licenses
- Treat Work Experience As Continuing Education
- Pre-Empt Local Licensing
- Waive Initial Licensing Fees
- Protect Financially Struggling Workers From License Revocation
- Provide Credit For Licensing Fees During Shutdowns
- Create A Regulatory Sandbox For Entry-Level Workers
Our Workforce and Entrepreneurship Experts
Our Latest Workforce and Entrepreneurship Research
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ResearchThree State Policies to Make Way for Young Entrepreneurs
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Research
Workforce Pains: How States Can Grow Their Skilled Workforce Through Universal Licensing Recognition
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One-Pager
Discussing Universal Licensing Recognition
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One-Pager
Universal Licensing Recognition
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One-Pager
Discussing Licensing Protection for Workers
At FGA, we don’t just talk about changing policy—we make it happen.
By partnering with FGA through a gift, you can create more policy change that returns America to a country where entrepreneurship thrives, personal responsibility is rewarded, and paychecks replace welfare checks.