Governor Signs Jobs Bill
The old proverb goes, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” That’s a good adage, in part, because it’s true.
Once someone has learned a skill, they have the opportunity to put it to good use. In some situations, this skill has the potential to change a person’s life by giving them the ability to provide for themselves and their families. Likewise, occupational licensing and certification is one of the ways individuals show they have the skills needed to successfully preform a job. So, if individuals already have the skills that show they know how to fish, for instance, why has licensing become a barrier for some looking to support themselves when they arrive in new places?
Over the years, the need for a license and certification in order to get a job has been increasing. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, over the last 60 years, the number of jobs requiring an occupational license in the U.S. has grown from about 1-in-20 to now almost 1-in-4. While more people are needing a license to enter the workforce, not all of them are working off of the same requirements. As is common in America, each state has its own way of doing things and has handled the licensing process a little differently than others. Navigating this patchwork of regulations and requirements has been a barrier for some people looking to reenter the workplace in a new state, including Missouri.
That’s why on Monday, July 6, the governor signed an important piece of legislation that will help get individuals back to work. House Bill 2046, which I handled in the Missouri Senate, expands license reciprocity opportunities for health care professionals, engineers and others. The bill also removes the requirement that only Missouri residents are eligible for license reciprocity. As this bill now becomes law, I believe it will be easier for qualified individuals to get back to work in their chosen fields when they move to Missouri.
Along with license reciprocity, HB 2046 includes the Expanded Workforce Act. This provision will allow individuals who complete a federally-approved apprenticeship program and pass any necessary examination to receive a related occupational license. I’m a firm believer in the value of hands-on learning, and this provision of HB 2046 is just one more way we are helping Missourians find a way to pursue their career goals.
Missouri needs a strong workforce in order to meet the challenges of an ever-changing economy. I believe that starts with getting the right people to do the right jobs. By removing bureaucratic red tape, I’m confident that HB 2046 is going to help make it easier for individuals to support themselves for years to come.
Please feel free to contact my office at (573) 751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.