Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger Taps Influential State and Local Bipartisan Leaders to Take on Licensing Reform
Atlanta- Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger led the successful launch of the GA WORKS Licensing Commission on Monday, May 15th. The GA WORKS licensing commission is reviewing nearly 100 years of licensing rules and regulations and implementing a 21st century regulatory framework to accommodate the rapidly changing Georgia workforce.
“Today’s kickoff was a tremendous step forward for Georgia’s licensed professionals and skilled workers,” said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “We’re going to be rolling up our sleeves and tackling the challenges that red tape causes for Georgia’s workforce.”
“This bipartisan commission is paving the way to modernize Georgia’s licensing process—making the process relevant to today,” state Representative Doug Stoner.
Commission members include Chairman and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Interim Director of Professional Licensing Division Gabriel Sterling, Representatives Brian Prince, Leesa Hagan, Doug Stoner, and Steve Tarvin, Senators Mike Dugan, Sheikh Rahman, Sonya Halpern, and Larry Walker, Georgia Massage Therapy Board Member Craig Knowles, Private Detectives Board Member Tripp Mitchell, Georgia Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Chris Clark, Metro Atlanta Chamber President & CEO Katie Kirkpatrick, and Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bert Brantley.
“With 1 in 4 high-demand jobs in Georgia requiring an occupational license, transparency and fairness in the process are critical to ensuring the robust talent pipeline our state needs to keep thriving,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “This Commission will provide valuable input to optimize the state’s occupational licensing structure and put Georgia workers first.”
"Across all of Georgia, regardless of industry or organization, I hear concerns regarding workforce,” said Senator Larry Walker. “I applaud the Secretary of State for establishing this commission to address this issue, and I'm honored to serve with him in this endeavor."
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About Secretary Raffensperger's Professional Licensing Boards:
The Secretary of State’s Office oversees 40 different licensing boards, which includes over 570,000 active licenses. Since Secretary Raffensperger took office, the number of licenses has increased drastically. In order to meet the needs of a growing state, Secretary Raffensperger has committed to making licensing as easy as possible, while still preserving the public health, safety, and welfare of our community.
About Secretary Raffensperger's GA WORKS Commission:
Secretary Raffensperger founded the GA WORKS Licensing Commission with the goal of finding ways to streamline the process for licensing, to get rid of unnecessary and redundant licensing requirements, to learn about the growth of available jobs in the State of Georgia, and to hear from the public about licensing barriers to the workforce. The commission will look into a variety of topics, including the barriers to the workforce for spouses of military members, foreign trained professionals, and those with a criminal background, as well as industry specific needs. The commission is composed of elected officials, chamber of commerce members, and licensing board members.