Reason Foundation

Recent Research and Commentary

California Barking Up the Wrong Tree with Pet Groomer Licensing Bill

March 1, 2012

Adam Summers

It appears that California truly has gone to the dogs. The state is facing a $9.2 billion budget deficit, a $10 billion unemployment insurance fund deficit, and unfunded pension obligations in the range of $400 billion to $500 billion, yet the busybodies in the state Legislature are seeking to add another occupation to the long list of those burdened by unnecessary state regulation: pet grooming.

California is Barking Up the Wrong Tree with Pet Groomer Licensing Bill

February 27, 2012, 2:10pm

Adam Summers

A proposed bill in California would require state licensing for pet groomers. This will not do anything to improve the quality of pet grooming services—the supposed rationale behind the bill—but it will increase the cost of grooming services, reduce competition and consumer choice, and, because of the high costs of fees and compliance with state regulations, deny gainful employment to many who would otherwise be competent groomers and entrepreneurs.

California Bill Proposes Licensing for Pet Groomers

February 3, 2012, 5:14pm

Adam Summers

It appears that California truly has gone to the dogs. The state is facing a $9.2 billion budget deficit, a $10 billion unemployment insurance fund deficit, and unfunded pension obligations in the range of $400 billion to $500 billion, yet the busybodies in the state legislature are seeking to add another occupation to the long list of those burdened by unnecessary state regulation: pet grooming.

The Social Cost of Taxi Regulation: $1 million Per License

October 20, 2011, 9:24pm

Samuel Staley

The New York Taxi and Limousine Commission has manipulated the taxi market to create faux wealth of $13 billion solely because of their willingness to restrict the supply of taxis.

Colorado Public Utilities Commission Dabbling in Taxicab Regulatory Reform

August 11, 2011, 7:53pm

Harris Kenny

Yesterday Colorado’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) implemented recent legislature-initiated taxicab regulatory reform. Legislators should be recognized for their efforts to reform the PUC, however PUC officials are essentially dabbling in reform. Yesterday's changes don't merit further evaluation because Colorado needs a significantly more robust reform effort.

New York City Regs Strangling Street Food Vendors

June 19, 2011, 1:46pm

Samuel Staley

Michael Moynihan exposes the draconian and anticompetitive regulations of street-food vendors in New York City.

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