Occupational licensing reform can boost Kentucky's labor market

Occupational licensing reform can boost Kentucky's labor market

Kentucky’s labor market continues to struggle compared to neighboring states and the nationalaverage with an unemployment rate of 4.7% – significantly higher than the national average of4.3%. In contrast, states like Indiana and Virginia boast unemployment rates of 3.6%; Arkansasand West Virginia stand at 3.8%. A significant factor holding Kentucky back is its occupational licensing system – one of thenation’s most restrictive – which creates un…