Most of Michigan’s licensing laws came into being because they were advocated for by special interest groups looking to protect themselves from competition. While some may serve a public purpose, few have ever been thoroughly reviewed or reconsidered by lawmakers or state officials.
It’s a big deal: Almost one out of four Michigan workers is required to have a license or certification to work. It’s not just doctors and lawyers – even flower sellers and hair shampooers are mandated to get government permission to do their jobs.
These obstacles cost time and money. But there is a better way to ensure public safety while eliminating barriers. This panel will discuss the regulatory barriers in Michigan and around the country, ways lawmakers are working to eliminate them and what else should be done.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
11:30 a.m. lunch
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. program
The Louie Building
Freedom Hall (6th Floor)
123 W. Allegan St.
Lansing, MI 48933
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Event is free, but RSVP is necessary.
Register online
Heather Curry is the director of strategic engagement at the Goldwater Institute where she leads the Institute’s national legislative affairs strategy. Heather directs the Breaking Down Barriers to Work initiative, a multi-state effort to advance Goldwater’s latest flagship reform, the universal recognition of out-of-state occupational licenses. Heather collaborates with state and local policy leaders to ease the pathway to licensure for all skilled professionals, with a special focus on America’s military service members and their families. The efforts of this initiative have led to the successful passage of recognition legislation in 15 states since 2019, alongside a federal counterpart to benefit military families.
Shelly Edgerton is the government and regulatory affairs counsel for PharmaCann, Inc. which operates in eight states in the cannabis industry. She is the former Director for the Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs in Michigan, which had regulatory oversight for nearly two-thirds of the professional licensing for the state of Michigan. Shelly led the creation of the regulatory cannabis licensing and IT programs and was instrumental in the rules and selection of personnel to operate the program. Prior to her service with the Department, Shelly served in the Legislature as a Chief of Staff and then Deputy Majority Counsel serving under five different Senate majority leaders. She has a bachelor’s and Master of Public Administration degrees from Western Michigan University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Jarrett Skorup is the vice president for marketing and communications at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He has written two studies on occupational licensing in Michigan and compiled a database documenting all licenses in the state and the regulatory requirements to hold those jobs. Jarrett also co-wrote a report for what lawmakers and regulatory agencies should consider when reviewing whether licensing is necessary.
Alanna Wilson is a program officer and state strategist for economic affairs for Stand Together.
