free market

Melissa Graft, a single mother of five children and a resident in Utah’s Wasatch Front, was forced to make a difficult decision and move back in with her parents after she became effectively priced out of the housing market.
Running a business is hard. But running a business in an uncertain regulatory environment can be near impossible. For better or worse, some of the laws and regulations at the state and federal levels can be hindrances to innovation and consumer welfare.
There is a type of monopoly out there that is escaping the attention of lawmakers, and no, it's not tech monopolies that frequently swirl into public discourse. Instead, as Reason writes, it is an “antagonistic, state-empowered monopol[y].” Specifically, the type of state-sponsored monopoly Reason highlights takes the form of an occupational licensing board. 
Technological innovation presents unique challenges to everyday workers as industries are being transformed. Technological advancements will ultimately create millions of jobs and enable further growth. But such progress will also displace millions of workers.
Short-term housing such as Airbnb and VRBO rentals make up some twenty thousand houses in Utah. What if those were available for residents to buy? Could this solve the affordable housing shortage?
After multiple films, nearly everybody is familiar with the tic tac-shaped, clumsy, yellow sidekicks of the fictional villain Gru. With their own film drawing record attention, the minions are at the forefront of pop culture. So, what can we learn from these lovable characters that relates to public policy? 

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