The Council of State Governments (CSG)
Founded in 1933, The Council of State Governments is the nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.
CSG Center of Innovation
The CSG Center of Innovation was created in July 2018 to provide an enhanced focus on utilizing grants and external funding to meet the needs of state officials seeking innovative policy solutions to the issues of today and tomorrow. The Center provides fact-based and data-driven policy support, identifies and fosters state-driven emerging policy solutions and ensures equality of opportunity and engagement across all populations.
Occupational Licensure
Over the last 60 years, the number of jobs requiring an occupational
license, or government approval to practice a profession, has grown from about one in 20 to nearly one in four. When implemented properly, occupational licensing can help protect the health and safety of consumers by requiring practitioners to undergo a designated amount of training and education in their field. However, differences and disparities in occupational licensing laws across states can create barriers for those looking to enter the labor market and make it harder for workers to relocate across state lines. Certain populations—including military spouses and families, immigrants with work authorization, people with criminal records, and unemployed and dislocated workers—are affected especially hard by the requirements and variances of occupational licensing.
The Council of State Governments
1776 Avenue of the States,
Lexington, Ky 40511
Contact
(859) 244-8000
[email protected]