Left-wing advocates of expanding government say efforts to repeal occupational licensing laws are an attack on public safety. In reality, giving people the “right to earn a living” simply means that all workers should be empowered with the ability to practice their craft without overzealous licensing boards and government agencies harassing, fining, or threatening jail time.

The number of occupational licensing laws has skyrocketed in recent years. To date, these onerous regulations cover more than 1,100 occupations. In the 1950s, government permission was required for less than 5 percent of the workforce. Now, expensive government permission slips are prerequisites for nearly 25 percent of the workforce.