Maintaining a healthy economy and fostering economic growth is one of the most important priorities for hardworking Americans. The cost of everyday life is increasing and people need to make sure that their job opportunities and paychecks keep up. Policymakers must create a plan of action that focuses on policies that increase economic opportunity, promote freedom of association and lower barriers to entry for new businesses.

Prioritizing the preferences of individuals by making union membership and contributions voluntary is an important reform that affects all businesses. Policies on organized labor should emphasize transparency and protect an individual’s choice regarding union involvement. No person should be forced to be a member of a union as a condition of employment or devote part of their paycheck towards political causes with which they disagree.

State occupational licensing boards should ensure licensure requirements for employment serve a valid public health and safety need, and that they provide individuals the most opportunity to succeed and contribute to the economy. Occupational licensing increases unemployment by about one percent, raises prices by about 15 percent, and offers no incremental consumer protection over a competitive market. Eliminating or reducing unnecessary occupational licenses gives individuals the freedom to pursue their desired career goals, free from arbitrary barriers to entry that favor incumbent firms in a particular industry.

Finally, policies on wages ensure individuals are free to make their own decisions and ensure that workers are not priced out of the labor force via government fiat. Setting price controls generally damages the economy by restricting decisions both businesses and individuals are able to make, and setting a price floor on wages is no exception. Maximizing the freedom of businesses and employees to negotiate their own wages is an important factor in helping both parties come to an agreement and thrive.