Women’s Foundation Praises Attorney General for Dropping Defense of Outdated Licensing Law

KANSAS CITY – The Women’s Foundation today praised Attorney General Josh Hawley for withdrawing his defense of a state licensure law that will become obsolete once new reforms take effect on August 28.

The bipartisan reforms, which will allow Missourians to practice hair braiding without going through an expensive, burdensome and irrelevant licensing process, were informed by Women’s Foundation research showing occupational licensing laws can restrict economic opportunity and have a disproportionate impact on women.

“These occupational licensing reforms passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, and we thank the Attorney General for withdrawing his defense of this outdated and burdensome law,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “No one should be prevented from earning a living because of burdensome and arbitrary bureaucratic requirements. Hair braiders have waited long enough for the right to practice their profession. We urge the Board of Cosmetology to prepare to implement these long-overdue reforms without delay when they take effect on August 28.”

Women’s Foundation research found that occupational licensing, while intended to protect the safety and well-being of the public, can often create unnecessary barriers for women entrepreneurs by restricting entry and re-entry into professions, reducing employment, and creating economic inequity. This research shows removing these barriers will meet one of Women’s Foundation’s key goals of empowering more women to become entrepreneurs.

READ OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING & RECIPROCITY IN MISSOURI & THE U.S. HERE.
READ ALTERNATIVES TO OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING IN MISSOURI AND THE U.S.HERE.
READ THE "FACTS AND FINDINGS" SUMMARY HERE.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy, and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at www.womens-foundation.org.
 

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