Millions of Michiganders have some type of criminal record which often restricts them from legally getting a government license to work in their chosen profession - even if someone wants to give them a second chance knowing their background. Too often, people invest time and money in education and training only to discover that an old conviction prevents them from receiving a license.
These restrictions can block qualified workers from careers in health care, skilled trades, real estate, cosmetology and many other fields. They also make it harder for employers to find workers and for Michigan families to climb the economic ladder. Proposed bipartisan reforms would change Michigan laws to make it easier for people to find work and rehabilitate their lives.
Join the Mackinac Center for a policy discussion about occupational licensing, second chances and how Michigan can protect the public while expanding access to work. This is a free lunch event in person in Lansing or can be livestreamed online.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Lunch: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Program: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lunch is Included
The Louie Building (6th floor)
123 W. Allegan St.
Lansing, MI, 48933
Call our Events office at
Event is free, but RSVP is necessary by September 19.
Register online
Tony Gant is director of policy at Safe & Just Michigan, where he leads policy development and legislative advocacy. He previously served as co-executive director of Nation Outside and has worked extensively on reforms affecting people with criminal records.
Scott Peyton is senior director of advocacy at Prison Fellowship. He has extensive experience in criminal justice policy, corrections and probation and parole, and has led state-level advocacy efforts across the country. Peyton holds a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from Louisiana State University at Shreveport and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and is a veteran.
Jarrett Skorup is vice president for marketing and communications at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy where he has worked for 17 years. He has written five studies on occupational licensing in Michigan and has advocated for criminal justice reform and removing government barriers to employment. He has degrees from Grove City College.
