Reason Foundation

Recent Research and Commentary

Economy, Bureaucracy, Minimum Wage Hikes Sink Federal Teen Jobs Program

September 29, 2009, 9:51pm

Adam Summers

Even setting aside economic conditions and bureaucratic snafus, there is another factor in the jobs program's failure that the AP article neglected to explore: the minimum wage. . . . The minimum wage may sound good to those who only consider some of its benefits—and none of its costs—but it is just another barrier to work. . . . Such barriers to work should be eliminated in the name of individual liberty regardless of economic conditions, but their abolition is even more important during tough economic times, when increases in productive employment and entrepreneurship are needed to spur economic growth once again.

California Unemployment Rate Rises to 12.2%; State Must Improve Business Climate to Combat Unemployment, Budget Problems

September 26, 2009, 11:44pm

Adam Summers

If the Golden State is to regain its lustre, it must dramatically reduce the tax and regulatory burden that is driving businesses and jobs to states with fewer impediments and more economic opportunities. . . . For years, the public sector has been consuming more than its share of resources and cannibalizing the private sector that is responsible for economic growth. It is far past time for the pendulum to swing the other way towards smaller government and a freer, more productive private sector.

Occupational Licensing and the Beard Trimming Turf War in Texas

September 24, 2009, 6:25pm

Adam Summers

Licensing laws are entirely about protecting a group of businesses from competition, not about "protecting the public." This is why new or stricter licensing regulations are virtually always proposed by the group to be licensed—not because of any public outcry—and why those seeking the regulations are typically "grandfathered" in so that they do not have to meet the tougher standards they impose on their future competitors. Make no mistake, occupational licensing laws are borne of special interests, not the public interest.

State Licensing Mandates for Movers in Illinois Increase Prices, Reduce Job Opportunities

September 16, 2009, 11:21pm

Adam Summers

Licensing requirements make it costly to enter a line of work, which means that there is less competition for the licensed businesses and those businesses can charge higher prices than they otherwise would. . . . [E]liminating state mandates and increasing the choices of both consumers and businesses leads to the greatest amount of freedom, the greatest level of commerce, and the greatest benefits for consumers. Particularly during a time of economic difficulty, Illinois and other states should be reducing licensing regulations, which only serve as barriers to work and result in higher costs to consumers.

Taxi Deregulation in Minneapolis Upheld

July 18, 2009, 9:38am

Samuel Staley

When Minneapolis lifted its cap on taxis, existing taxi companies sued arguing the monopoly rents they earned under regulation entitled them to compensation from the city. The appeals court disagreed.

Superman Arrested... For Not Having a License

July 10, 2009, 10:39am

Anthony Randazzo

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