Did you know Pennsylvania is home to more than 2,400 required permits, licenses, and certifications?

That’s 2,400 barriers to entrepreneurs looking to improve our economy and create value.

Across the commonwealth, government overregulation and excessive red tape hold back entrepreneurs and potential job creators.

That isn’t an abstract notion but a reality for way too many hardworking Pennsylvanians. Commonwealth Foundation Executive Vice President Jennifer Stefano tells one of these personal stories in her inspiring new Philadelphia Inquirer column, “Occupational Licensing Holds Pennsylvanians Back.”

Jennifer highlights the struggle of Jasmine, a Philadelphia-based entrepreneur and aspiring makeup stylist. Despite having plenty of talent and ambition, costly government permits have stifled Jasmine’s efforts to launch a business. Yet, as Jennifer puts it, “Jasmine refuses to be a casualty of her circumstances.”

Check out Jennifer’s column to learn more about Jasmine’s story.

And if you know someone like Jasmine struggling to start a new career because of government regulation, or if you’re experiencing costly regulation in your own business, please share your testimonial here. We want to show lawmakers how overregulation hurts Pennsylvania’s economy.

- Commonwealth Foundation

P.S. If you enjoy Jennifer’s column, sign up here to receive email alerts when her newest one is published.