Today Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE released a statement in response to Governor Parson’s recent signing of licensing bills.
“As a leader in achieving policy reform for occupational licensing, United WE hails Governor Parson’s signing of licensing bills into law. In Missouri, women hold active professional licenses at a rate 3 times higher than men so we are proud to see HB 273 and HB 476 have broader licensure reforms that include shampooing and an occupational therapist compact. These workforce development strategies will help advance Missouri’s economy.
Occupational licensing is a priority issue United WE works to improve and is based on our objective evidence-based research findings. Research shows that women have a higher proportion of professional licenses when you consider career paths in healthcare, education and the law. Now HB 476 includes a Military Occupational Specialty as a type of licensure when applying in Missouri and it expands Missouri’s reciprocity laws to cover additional professions such as dieticians and architects.
In addition, we were a key to removing a license requirement for hair braiders in Missouri, many of whom are women entrepreneurs and especially women of color. HB 273, which relates to professional registration, now includes licensing reciprocity for those with valid licenses from the military.
We’re proud to see that by utilizing our research we’re able to generate pragmatic policy solutions to remove barriers for women and their families.”