I am pleased to see that the Colorado Legislature is working to Reduce barriers to occupational licensing for justice-affected individuals..
This proposal sets a new precedent for job seekers with non-violent backgrounds, allowing them to enter the workforce, start their own businesses, or work for small businesses, ultimately increasing their economic independence and opportunities.
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This effort is particularly timely because Colorado ranks highest in the country for worker shortages, according to a Analysis from the US Chamber of Commerce. Small businesses are still dealing with labor shortages stemming from pandemic-related challenges. However, this proposal will help address this problem by facilitating access to licenses for a number of professions such as construction workers, plumbers, electricians, landscape architects and cosmetologists, opening up a pool of potential new employees or entrepreneurs.
What's more, small businesses support these types of proposals. TO Most Small Business Survey reported that a majority (79%) of small business owners favor reforms that would allow people with past convictions to receive fairer access to occupational licenses.
I urge the Legislature to move forward with this important proposal. Not only will it support small businesses, but it will also help fill gaps in the labor market as they continue to recover from the pandemic.