From Jarrett Skorup:
Abbott’s plan would specifically get rid of or significantly reform licensing for interior designers, salvage vehicle dealers, dog trainers, coaches, auctioneers, barbers, cosmetologists and towing boat operators.
The proposal is being championed by a Texas gubernatorial candidate.
If Republicans want to rebuild their brand, they need to become activists in de-regulation and to create highly favorable business-friendly environments in their states. I don’t mean special subsidies and other rent-seeking devices. I mean true business friendly tax rates and regulatory regimes. If they can do this in enough states, and create enough prosperity, they might rebuild the brand.
Getting rid of anti-gay and other antediluvian mindsets would also help.
Politicians care about getting people to switch sides both in terms of (1) Voting, and (2) Contributions.
There are only a few issues that will make any meaningful number of ordinary voters switch their party allegiance. Licensing isn’t one of them.
On the other hand, contributors usually have one particular special interest, and they’ll switch more easily and vote with their dollars for whoever will protect it.
Who had more political clout, wherewithal, and incentive to engage politically on this issue: existing license holders, or potential entrants who are unlicensed?
Who do those licensed professionals and small business owners currently support politically in Texas? If they currently tend to give their contributions to Republicans, this could be be an unforced error pushing yet enough group into the Democratic coalition camp.
The fact that a Republican feels that this has become a safe-enough issue to be able to propose reforms is indeed encouraging. But let’s hope he’s got a better political crystal ball than I think he does.
They probably vote Republican since most Texans vote Republican.
This sort of analysis assumes that established office holders have no desire to improve governance, I think that is clearly wrong.