Columbus, OH – On Tuesday, The Buckeye Institute, Americans for Prosperity-Ohio, Americans for Tax Reform, Goldwater Institute, and National Taxpayers Union sent an open letter (see full text below or download a PDF) to members of the Ohio General Assembly urging the quick adoption of universal occupational licensing recognition.

In the letter, the coalition wrote:

“Ohio has a golden opportunity to build upon its proud manufacturing history to make the products of tomorrow. From high-tech computer chips to innovative cars, major manufacturing companies want to do business in Ohio and will hire thousands of workers when they do. But outmoded state regulations put those gains and other economic growth opportunities at risk.   

“The current occupational licensing system too often requires already-licensed out-of-state professionals to spend time and money to be licensed in Ohio. Trained, licensed professionals do not lose their skills or forget their training when they cross the state line. But Ohio treats them like they do, making it harder for businesses to hire them and for skilled professionals to move here. That discouraging system must change—and quickly.”

These leading voices on universal occupational licensing recognition together urged lawmakers to “pursue and enact licensing rules like universal licensing recognition that make it easier—not harder—for employers and license holders to call Ohio home.”

# # #

December 6, 2022

Dear Member of the Ohio General Assembly,

Ohio has a golden opportunity to build upon its proud manufacturing history to make the products of tomorrow. From high-tech computer chips to innovative cars, major manufacturing companies want to do business in Ohio and will hire thousands of workers when they do. But outmoded state regulations put those gains and other economic growth opportunities at risk.   

The current occupational licensing system too often requires already-licensed out-of-state professionals to spend time and money to be licensed in Ohio. Trained, licensed professionals do not lose their skills or forget their training when they cross the state line. But Ohio treats them like they do, making it harder for businesses to hire them and for skilled professionals to move here. That discouraging system must change—and quickly. 

Dr. Morris Kleiner, the AFL- CIO chair of labor policy at the University of Minnesota, has shown that the burden of occupational licensing has cost Ohio nearly 70,000 jobs and workers. United Van Lines data put Ohio among the top ten states that people are leaving for other states. And U.S. Census data indicate that Ohio’s overall population is shrinking. Meanwhile, states like Arizona, for example, have made themselves easier for out-of-staters to work in and emigrate to by making licensing reforms expected to add 45,000 people and increase the state’s GDP by $1.5 billion over the next decade. Pennsylvania, Missouri, and more than 15 other states have already enacted strong licensing reforms of their own to attract new businesses and workers. If Ohio does not join them soon, its economy will continue to fall behind. 

Adopting universal licensing recognition for out-of-state license holders in good standing would be a solid start. Trained, skilled professionals who have already shown themselves competent across the Ohio border should not have to ask for more permission here before offering their services to our businesses and communities. State policymakers should pursue and enact licensing rules like universal licensing recognition that make it easier—not harder—for employers and license holders to call Ohio home. 

For these reasons, we strongly encourage Ohio to adopt universal licensing recognition.

Sincerely,
Robert Alt
President & CEO
The Buckeye Institute 

Donovan O’Neil
State Director
Americans for Prosperity – Ohio

Grover Norquist
President
Americans for Tax Reform

Victor Riches
President & CEO
Goldwater Institute

Leah Vukmir
Vice President of State Affairs
National Taxpayers Union