(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) released a new Issue Brief, “Reducing Licensing Barriers Will Get Millions Back to Work,” which details how more than 850 rules have been suspended or terminated during the coronavirus pandemic at every level of government, and how these mostly temporary measures should made permanent to both resolve long-term problems with occupational licensing and help boost the ongoing economic recovery.

CAGW President Tom Schatz said in a statement:

“The coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed how people work and interact.  Tens of millions of Americans are working from home, while tens of millions remain unemployed.  Some businesses have been devastated, while others have learned to adapt or already were in a position to serve consumers at home.  Some of the changes that will make it easier for Americans to remain or become employed are less obvious than others, including how the federal government, along with state and local governments, have reduced regulatory barriers for licensing and certification for dozens of jobs and professions.  Every level of government should act to permanently remove unnecessary regulatory barriers, which will help workers get back on their feet and continue to move the economy forward faster to recover from the pandemic.  Reducing Licensing Barriers Will Get Millions Back to Work is a must-read for taxpayers, legislators, and regulators.”

Citizens Against Government Waste is the nation’s largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.

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