Everywhere you turn these days, you see “Help Wanted” signs. Small businesses across America are desperately looking for workers. But oftentimes, barriers and bad policy stand in the way of connecting businesses with potential employees. Government’s response to COVID, including the extension of supplemental unemployment benefits, has certainly played a role in this. Another such barrier that isn’t getting as much attention is unnecessary occupational licensing. In the 1950s, just one in 20 workers needed a license to do their job.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, state governments have made changes to occupational licensing laws and regulations to make it easier to provide needed services and help individuals who find themselves unable to complete educational requirements or are simply out of work.
As we all prepare to gather with our families, friends, and other loved ones this weekend for a picnic, barbecue or day at the lake, let us remember what this weekend is truly about: honoring those who sacrificed everything in defense of our freedoms.
To read my full op-ed in the Kingsport Times News, please visit here.
U.S. Capitol Building
Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., a member of the GOP Doctor's Caucus, appeared on Newsmax, questioning the origins of COVID-19. "So many facts don't add up. These [Chinese] virologists were hospitalized. Well, that's pretty indicative that something happened in that lab in 2019."
To watch the interview, click here.
Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., on Tuesday introduced a bill to prohibit discretionary federal funds from going to states that provide state assistance to illegal immigrants -- warning that those states are encouraging the ongoing migrant crisis at the border.
The bill has 10 co-signers so far, including Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., and comes as Republicans are increasingly sounding the alarm on the potential costs of illegal immigration and a renewed crisis at the southern border.
Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) has introduced H.R. 3145, the “Freedom To Work Act,” legislation that directs the federal government to reduce policies that lead to burdensome occupational licensing requirements at the state level.
Americans for Tax Reform supports this legislation and urges its swift passage through Congress.
Read more here.
Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01) introduced the “Freedom to Work Act” on Wednesday – a bill to reform occupational licensing.
The Freedom to Work Act would require federal executive agencies to review their authorities, regulations, or policies that directly impose occupational licensing requirements or cause state, local, or tribal governments to adopt occupational licensing requirements. Then, those agencies would have to identify any changes that would either rescind or offer the least restrictive alternative to any occupational licensing requirements.
Republicans in Congress are introducing two new bills to combat what they call the “job-killing Biden agenda.”
Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) has introduced new legislation that would reform occupational licensing regulations.
With the support of the Republican Study Committee, Harshbarger introduced the Freedom to Work Act to encourage states and the federal government to roll back on these legislations.
To read the full article, click here.
U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger has announced the First District’s winning entry in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition.
“I would like to congratulate Luke Pennington on winning Tennessee’s First District spot in the Congressional Art Competition,” Harshbarger said in a press release.
“Luke gets the awesome honor of having his work of art displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building. I would also like to congratulate the other participants on their great works of art and thank our wonderful judges for helping pick the winner!”