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.