occupational licensing

The Beehive State has a longstanding problem with mental health. In 2019, Utah ranked sixth highest in the nation for its age-adjusted suicide rate, and it is currently the leading cause of death for Utah teenagers.
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. 
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? 
As a global leader, the United States has championed helping those fleeing war, violence, persecution, extreme poverty, and political upheaval.
At a time when many Americans are struggling with rising inflation, opportunities to earn extra income in the gig economy are more important than ever. But occupational licensing poses a problem. 
Most of us are familiar with the traditional punishments we levy upon criminals: imprisonment, fines, or even community service. However, what often goes unnoticed are the less apparent punishments that follow. Ex-offenders sometimes struggle to find jobs as a result of their criminal record, potentially banishing them to a life of unemployment or one of limited social mobility.

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