Undemocratic Licensing Bill Moving Forward

The Senate Committee on Public Benefits, Licensing, and State-Federal Relations scheduled an executive session this Thursday to vote on the undemocratic License Review Council Bill, SB 288. This bill is a direct attack on our skills and trade, and on the quality that the public has come to expect from qualified and licensed professionals.

Whether it is electricians, plumbers, health care providers, or welders, Wisconsinites can rest easy knowing that these workers have been adequately trained, tested and licensed by the state to ensure high-quality and safe service for all consumers as well as a safe, stable workplace for every worker. Now, politicians want to interfere with our fair licensing system.

As the Senate Committee heads for a vote, raise your voice against the looming harmful changes to Wisconsin’s time-honored and well-trusted system of licensing professionals. Click here to send a message to lawmakers in opposition to SB 288.

Undemocratic License Review Council Bill (SB 288)

Senate Committee Vote

Thursday, September 28

9 a.m.

300 Southeast, State Capitol

ABOUT THE BILL:  SB 288, and its companion bill AB 369, is a destructive bill that will create an undemocratic Occupational License Review Council and require it to examine each and every occupation and profession currently requiring a state-issued license. Under the bill, the Council will unilaterally decide whether a license could be, in their opinion, eliminated or whether the licensing standards could be weakened.

This bill will damage the public’s trust in important services they rely upon, weaken worker safety, deteriorate many industries within our state, and ultimately is an affront to our democratic principles. The bill to create the undemocratic Occupational License Review Council does not tinker around the edges; rather, the bill tasks the Council with examining every license, work permit, registration, or certification that the Department of Safety and Public Services (DSPS) issues.

STACKING THE COUNCIL with Walker and GOP-appointees:  If the bill is passed, the Council will be stacked with 4 members appointed by Governor Walker, 2 members appointed by the Senate Majority Leader (Sen. Fitzgerald), and 2 members appointed by the Assembly Speaker (Rep. Vos), with the Governor’s appointed Secretary of DSPS as Chair. The bill does not call for the Council to hold any public hearings.

Click here to protect our current safe system of professional licensing in Wisconsin. Tell your lawmakers to vote NO on the creation of the Undemocratic License Review Council Bill.

Fair licensing allows Wisconsinites to have confidence in licensed professionals, and allows professionals to trust the skills and knowledge of their co-workers and colleagues, which in turn creates safe and dependable workplaces.