As we take steps to put the pandemic behind us, many state leaders are reevaluating burdensome government regulations that inhibited efforts to combat COVID-19. They are now asking what can be done to rebuild stronger and more resilient communities and doing so by putting the people first. This year, my colleagues in the Wyoming Legislature and I have made workers a priority by following the lead of states that have enacted universal recognition laws. Our goal is to get government out of the way and people back to work.
On Feb. 9, Gov. Mark Gordon signed into law a bill that requires Wyoming’s licensing boards to recognize occupational licenses obtained by individuals in other states. For example, if someone from Vermont moves to Wyoming with a barber’s license, they will be able to apply to the state board and obtain a barber’s license to work in Wyoming rather than repeat expensive and time-consuming training or certification.
In 2019, Arizona became the first state to pass universal recognition, which allowed new residents to continue earning a living in their licensed profession. Since then, more than 2,600 skilled workers’ licenses have been recognized by Arizona. Now, Wyoming can look forward to the same.
Universal recognition is a nonpartisan solution to a nationwide issue. In fact, it has been championed by the Obama and Trump administrations, and, hopefully, the Biden administration will follow suit. The policy helps people work across state lines, promoting geographic mobility. Whether we are in a pandemic or not, universal recognition empowers the public to follow the work and go where it is needed most.
All the while, universal recognition ensures people stay protected by only recognizing legitimate, up-to-date licenses in good standing. A license will still be a license; it just won’t be lost when the worker crosses state lines.
With a universal recognition law in place, Wyoming will take another step in the right direction to building a more competitive state. By ensuring new residents can reattain a license to work quickly, Wyoming will become a more attractive destination for hard-working professionals — taxpayers who will bring services, businesses, families, and leadership to our communities.
States should take inspiration from other states leading the way in occupational licensing reform, such as Arizona and Iowa, and craft policy that best fits the requirements and needs of their own constituents and communities. What links us is a shared priority to get people back to work, no matter the state lines they cross. It will be essential in our post-pandemic recovery after nearly 10% of our workforce lost jobs across every county in Wyoming, and many states’ workforces experienced similar impacts.
I’m proud to say the Wyoming Legislature took the necessary steps to do our part in the process of recovery. This pandemic has been difficult for so many, and it’s the job of legislators to remove burdensome red tape that holds back our workforce and economic growth. The pandemic has shown us a glimpse of how government can get in the way and do more harm than good.
It is my hope that the universal recognition momentum only increases. Nine states in two years responded to the demand for universal recognition, and Wyoming is the first in 2021. Other states should follow our lead.
Dan Laursen has represented the 25th Congressional District in the Wyoming House of Representatives since 2015. Follow him on Twitter @Dan_Laursen.
