The overcriminalization of occupational licensing is limiting job growth and competition while unfairly excluding some Texans from the workforce. Texas regulates too many occupations, applies excessive criminal penalties to violations of licensing rules, and too often prevents otherwise qualified individuals from obtaining licenses because of a minor and sometimes decades-old conviction. This testimony offers solutions that can put more Texans to work and, by increasing competition, bring greater choice and value to consumers.
The New Texas Curriculum is a Win-Win
Texas is on the cusp of implementing historic reforms that could prove to be the most significant improvements in education in the state’s history. Last year, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1605, which, in part, required the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to develop high quality instructional materials and provide them at no cost to...