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.
Click here for transcript.
Recent Episodes
Short Circuit 441 | Rights for Listeners
We often hear of the right to speak. But what about the right to listen? The Ninth Circuit just reaffirmed that listeners have First Amendment […]
Listen NowShort Circuit 440 | The Mystery of Academic Freedom
Florida, man. Always fun when we touch base with the latest culture war issues in the Sunshine State. Which usually means we’re talking about the […]
Listen NowShort Circuit 439 | Adams, Jefferson, and The Declaration
Tim Sandefur joins us to discuss his latest (and tenth!) book “Proclaiming Liberty,” all about the Declaration of Independence, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, and […]
Listen NowShort Circuit 438 | The Strike Zone for Ultra Vires
If you like stories of co-workers showing up at your door at night and threatening you and your family then we have the episode for […]
Listen Now