The Hidden Tax That Costs Households Up to $1,600 a Year

A rising tide of regulation has covered almost a third of the U.S. labor market. Workers who previously could find a job on the strength of their experience and talent now need their state government’s permission before taking a job. The “permission slip” in this case is an occupational license or required certification. Occupational licenses act as a barrier to potential new workers in an occupation. The costs and delay associated with obtaining a license convinces many potential workers to not even try. As a result of the decreased competition among workers, customers end up paying more, either directly or through their state and local taxes. Read more here...