Peach Tree Times

Georgia's economic recovery has been sure and steady, with Gov. Brian Kemp announcing in June that the unemployment rate had dropped to 4%. 

It was the 14th consecutive month where the unemployment rate had dropped. The number of available jobs also increased. 

Additionally, Georgia has been named the top state for "doing business" seven years in a row by Area Development Magazine.

Despite this, Marc Hyden, R Street's director of state government affairs, suggests that there is still important work to be done to continue to improve Georgia's economy.

"Maintaining this enviable position and fostering an environment of continued job growth requires lawmakers’ constant attention, and there’s still plenty of work that needs to be done, particularly on occupational-licensing reform," Hyden wrote in an op-ed.

Hyden says these regulatory restrictions make it difficult for professionals to obtain licensing and thus hinders the workforce while holding back the state's economic recovery.

The Institute for Justice, in a report on occupational licensing, ranked Georgia the 14th most-burdensome state for occupational licensing requirements, citing "on average, $185 in fees, 464 days of education and experience, and about two exams."

George lawmakers are working to solve this problem. A bill, SB 45, has been proposed to address the need for licensing reform. Lawmakers are expected to make the passing of this bill a priority.