Dear Mr. Cox,
Could you comment on the need for licensing reform (e.g., for nurses, as discussed in the article at https://www.dailysignal.com/2020/06/09/during-covid-19-cutting-red-tape-helps-front-line-nurses-save-lives/)?
Thank you.
Answer:
I am
a licensed architect. In Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Texas. This
last year I considered getting a license in New Mexico. I had given up
on NM as it would have cost $7000 in the past. This year it would have
been $1000 plus a lot of red tape. I decided not to which may or may not
have been a good decision.
In
2015 and 2016 I worked to increase the ability of interior designers,
if properly trained and verified with testing, education and experience [to do more work, that at the time required an architect].
Some criticized me for creating more competition for me.
It
used to be that you could become a licensed architect with enough
experience, even without a lot of education. That unfortunately has
changed.
Some
licenses are important. A doctor can make a mistake and someone dies.
It is possible for an architect or engineer to wipe out a whole
colosseum. All licenses are not bad. Too many or too hard to get is bad.
It stops people's dreams.
My dream at 15 was to be licensed architect by age 30. I beat that goal by 6 months.
Some
licenses are regulated to protect turf. Those should be simplified or
eliminated. I have worked in the legislature to reduce some of these
regulations.
I know people that should be able to become an architect and can't. That should change.
Many
of these regulations are up to the state legislature. I will continue
to do what I can to reduce the red tape while protecting health safety
and welfare.
We eliminated hair braiding as a required license. We need more changes.
Fred C. Cox
For SLco District 2
