Removing bureaucratic barriers, encouraging state job growth
Texas Border Business
Washington – Congressman Cuellar helped pass the New Hope and Opportunity through the Power of Employment Act (New HOPE Act) into law as part of a bill to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. This legislation will increase job creation in South Texas where federal licensing restrictions remain too burdensome to encourage small business growth. Congressman Cuellar was an original cosponsor of the New HOPE Act which was introduced by Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-07) in the U.S. House of Representatives last year. The bill is a result of a bipartisan effort in the House, aided by the cosponsorship of six additional members on both sides of the aisle. Its companion legislation in the Senate was introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI). The bill was signed into law by the president and officially enacted on July 31st.
The Congressman recognizes the importance of a state’s right to regulate professional licensing requirements and thereby dictate job creation through a robust economic environment. Specifically, this bill gives state governments the ability to reform bureaucratic requirements that create obstacles to those seeking to enter the workforce. It is especially important for South Texas, where communities are focused on small business growth, to identify, consolidate, or eliminate licenses or certifications which pose an unnecessary barrier to entry for aspiring workers and provide limited consumer protection.
Congressman Cuellar said, “When most Americans think of professions that require government certifications, they probably picture airline pilots, electricians, or doctors. However, more than a quarter of all American workers need some kind of government license for their jobs these days, from hair stylists to florists – and the requirements vary widely from state to state. In Texas, getting those licenses requires an average $304 in fees, 326 days of training, and two exams. Yet often these expensive requirements do not actually protect consumers; they are intentional efforts from people already in a given profession, to make it harder for new folks to compete with them. This legislation will give states the flexibility to remove licensing requirements that just don’t make sense. It will create a better environment for entrepreneurs to facilitate jobs. It will also save time and money for working people in thousands of occupations. I would like to thank Senator Cornyn for taking the lead in the Senate and for working on this issue.”
