| Lecture and book signing with Morris M. Kleiner on occupational licensing February 2
 In Minnesota, hair braiders battled with cosmetologists over the necessary licenses required to practice their craft. In Louisiana, florists must be licensed before being allowed to make flower arrangements. According to Morris M. Kleiner, AFL-CIO Professor of Labor Policy at the Humphrey Institute and the Industrial Relations Center, this is the tip of the occupational licensing iceberg. More than 800 occupations require a government license in at least one state across the country. Kleiner will discuss this issue in the context of his new book Licensing Occupations: Ensuring Quality or Restricting Competition (Upjohn Institute, January 2006, $18) at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, February 2, in the Wilkins Room 215, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, 301 19th Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Occupational regulation varies by state. But, according to Kleiner, licensing has increased from five percent of the workforce in the 1950s to 20 percent of the workforce today, whereas unions have declined from about 30 percent of the workforce to less than 13 percent. Why has licensing increased so rapidly? And does the quality of service increase as more people are licensed? Kleiner will discuss his findings on these issues and give his conclusions on the benefits and drawbacks of occupational licensing.
A reception and book signing in the Industrial Relations Center's Herman Reference Room (280 Humphrey Center) will follow Kleiner's presentation. Pre-sale paperback copies of the book are available for $14 by calling (612) 624-7011 or $18 at the event. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested.
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