Episode 92: Licensure and Labor - Removing Unnecessary Barriers to Opportunity

The August episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR Conversation focuses on the upcoming CLEAR Annual Educational Conference, taking place in Chicago, Illinois. Camile Lindsay, Director of the Division of Financial and Professional Regulation in Illinois, shares key findings from the state’s CLIMB Task Force report, which addresses unnecessary licensure barriers—especially for justice-involved individuals and professions like hair braiding. She outlines IDFPR’s proactive reforms, including system modernization, community engagement, and legislative initiatives. Then, keynote speaker and economist Jeff Korzenik offers a compelling preview of his upcoming talk on labor force participation, second-chance hiring, and what the U.S. can learn from countries like Japan in addressing workforce shortages. Together, these conversations highlight how licensing bodies can balance public protection with inclusive policies that foster opportunity and economic resilience.

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Then, engage in further discussion on CLEAR's Regulatory Network (members-only, join here).

• What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming conference?
• What topics or burning questions do you hope will be answered in the keynote and the sessions?