In America, high cost of living remains a concern for many, leading some families to consider relocating to states with more affordable housing and better job opportunities. However, internal migration has significantly decreased in the last 50 years, with government regulations posing a major obstacle to workers looking to move. Occupational licensing requirements vary widely by state and can be costly and burdensome for workers seeking to relocate.
Policymakers have started to address this issue by adopting universal recognition policies, which allow workers to transfer their occupational licenses across state lines more easily. This has led to higher rates of in-migration, increased tax revenues, and more activity in the labor market among workers in licensed occupations.
Universal recognition has been embraced by 26 states, with efforts to expand and improve these reforms ongoing in many state capitals. This policy has been shown to work, benefiting both workers and states.
As the country approaches another election, promoting opportunities for American workers should be a priority. Universal recognition is seen as a positive step towards facilitating economic mobility and improving the overall well-being of workers. Liam Sigaud, a research analyst at West Virginia University’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics, believes that universal recognition is a great way to support American workers in their pursuit of better economic opportunities.
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