EDITORIAL: Should you need government permission to work?

Las Vegas Review-Journal August 25, 2026 - 9:01 pm The idea that states must shower subsidies on favored interests to create jobs and juice their economies has, unfortunately, taken root across the political spectrum. But Republicans and Democrats could save the taxpayers plenty of treasure if they would instead come together on occupational licensing reform. A recent report in Governing magazine finds that 1 in 5 U.S. workers requires a government permission slip to work. Some 22 percent of those employed need a license to ply their trade. These aren’t just medical doctors, airline pilots or attorneys. Many states require barbers, cosmetologists, interior designers, landscapers, nail artists, security guards and others to earn a credential before they may legally make a living. “Too often