Governor Parson Joins Second Lady Karen Pence on Briefing Call Regarding White House Principles on Workforce Freedom and Mobility

JANUARY 17, 2020

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson was invited to speak on a briefing call with Second Lady Karen Pence on the White House Principles on Workforce Freedom and Mobility. 

Forty-seven states were represented on the call, which detailed efforts to advance occupational licensing reform, especially for military spouses and the working men and women of America who want to advance in their careers. 

“I was honored to participate in this call today and greatly appreciate the leadership of President Trump and Vice President Pence in reducing regulatory burdens across the board,” Governor Parson said. “We wholeheartedly support their efforts, especially the latest initiative led by Vice President Pence. The special focus on occupation licensing reform aligns directly with Missouri’s efforts to remove unnecessary burdens for people to get back to work or into the workforce faster.”

In an October 2019 Cabinet meeting, the Trump Administration announced the Governors’ Initiative on Regulatory Innovation to extend the President’s historic regulatory reform to every level of government. 

Led by Vice President Mike Pence, this initiative aims to cut regulations and costs, advance occupational licensing reform, and better align local, state, and federal regulations. The initiative facilitates the federal government’s work with state, local, and tribal leaders from across the country who are championing deregulation and smarter regulation activity.

Missouri’s own regulatory reform efforts have led to a reduction of nearly one in every five state regulations. In addition, Governor Parson recently called for license reciprocity for military spouses in his 2020 State of the State Address. 

Due to state variance in licensing criteria such as education and training, military spouses with occupational licenses face considerable challenges when relocating with their active duty partner. License reciprocity would alleviate stress for military families relocating to Missouri by allowing military spouses to work in their preferred occupation. 

“Missouri is home to over 480,000 veterans, and we hope to bring even more to our state. Allowing license reciprocity is a very simple way to do that,” Governor Parson said. “This would have a meaningful impact for a number of military families, and we are hopeful that this will be the first piece of legislation to hit my desk this year."