For millions of lower-income Americans, state licensing laws make finding work or opening a small business harder and more expensive—if not outright impossible. So claims the third edition of Licensed to Work, a report of the Institute for Justice. We talk to Lisa Knepper, a co-author of the report, to hear why occupational licensing is such a big deal—and such a big barrier to so many—and what has changed in the five years since the last edition. There’s good news! Yet, so many challenges remain. And as Short Circuit listeners know one way to address those challenges is through judicial engagement. Thus, Josh Windham of IJ also joins us to discuss a recent decision in Pennsylvania where a court found a licensing requirement to be unconstitutional, clearing the way for entrepreneurs like Josh’s client. We hope you enjoy a little policy along with a little law, and we promise there will be no (well, not much) math.

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Licensed to Work 3

Ladd v. Real Estate Commission (2022 decision)

Ladd (2020 decision)

Bang the Drum All Day