Testimony

Stop the ceaseless moves toward greater regulation of occupations in Missouri. Stop allowing existing businesses to limit their own competition and call it safety or consumer protection. Realize the harm that is done to our economy by occupational licensing requirements, and the barriers it can place on entry-level workers who are meeting service needs within their community, the essence of the free market.

Kansas City officials deserve credit for wanting to update and revamp the city's business and occupational licensing system. Economic activity benefits the city whenever it occurs, whether directly or indirectly. Many of the changes proposed here will positively benefit Kansas City's economy by simplifying many parts of the system.

In June, Show-Me Institute policy analyst David Stokes submitted this testimony to the Saint Louis County Capital Investment Blue Ribbon Commission, about Saint Louis County's capital investment proposals. He argued that it's necessary to consider the economically harmful aspects of tax increases alongside the infrastructure needs that those increases are proposed to finance.

David Stokes, a policy analyst with the Show-Me Institute, testifies before the Saint Louis County Council Committee of the Whole in opposition to new licensing requirements for HVAC contractors and workers in Saint Louis County. Stokes discusses how licensing rules like those proposed in this code amendment are used to limit competition and increase costs for consumers.

Senate Bill 11 proposes rescinding Missouri's ethanol mandate. This entire subject is a perfect example of Thomas Sowell’s famed statement about public policy, “There are no solutions, only trade-offs.” Corn farmers gain from ethanol production, as do investors in ethanol plants. Missouri has a large number of corn farmers, as you well know. The argument has been made that ethanol has resulted in lower visible gas prices at the pump. In immediate terms, that seems to benefit Missouri drivers.