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May 30, 2012
PLF fights restrictions on employment training programs in job-starved California
PLF Principal Attorney Timothy Sandefur explains why California’s anti-competitive scheme for apprenticeship programs is bad law as well as bad public policy.
With more than two million people out of work, California boasts the nation’s third-highest unemployment rate — 10.8 percent.
But that hasn’t caused lawmakers to rethink the state’s heavy-handed restrictions on new programs that train people in construction trades.
California bars new apprenticeship programs from opening — or existing ones from expanding — unless bureaucrats first find that there is a “public need” for new job training.
Competitor’s veto keeps school doors closed
But there are no clear standards to guide the bureaucrats, and the review process is triggered by complaints from the unions that run the existing training programs. The law does not protect the public, but protects established providers against fair competition, thus destroying economic opportunity and driving up the cost of living.
Attorneys with Pacific Legal Foundation’s Economic Liberty Project have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit to challenge the law, on behalf of the Air Conditioning Training Association (ACTA).
Your support helps PLF champion economic liberty — and economic growth.
PLF attorneys are known nationwide as advocates for free enterprise — and against laws that unconstitutionally restrict wealth creation and consumer choice. Your DONATION helps us fight for economic recovery by fighting for economic freedom — from coast to coast!
Rob Rivett
President
Pacific Legal Foundation
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