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Jobs & Economy

The right to use our talents, skills, and labor to earn a living is essential to freedom because it allows us to be independent, productive members of society. But government is increasingly forcing us to get permission to practice a trade, or start a business. The Goldwater Institute is working to restore the presumption that people are free to pursue an honest living without first asking permission from government, and that government must prove it needs to regulate before it may stifle economic freedom.

Military Families Succeed Thanks to Goldwater

Bureaucratic red tape that differs from state to state hits military families hard. As a result, military spouses face an unemployment rate that is nearly six times higher than the general population.

Goldwater’s Breaking Down Barriers to Work Act is helping military families succeed. Our law recognizes that military members and their families do not forget how to practice their trade or profession just because they move across state lines. And it provides much-needed relief to those who are putting their lives on the line for our freedom. Learn more about how we are Breaking Down Barriers to Work for Military Families.

More About Our Work on Jobs and the Economy

Breaking Down Barriers to Work

While politicians of all stripes talk of the need to “create more jobs,” about one in four jobs in America requires an occupational license — a government permission slip to work. These licenses are expensive, demand time-consuming training, and are subject to requirements that vary from state to state. The Goldwater Institute has a solution to this problem: the Breaking Down Barriers to Work Act. Learn more about it here.

Fighting Taxes

As Washington is trying to raise taxes by trillions of dollars, the Goldwater Institute is showing America how to keep taxes low and the economy strong. Goldwater defeated one of the largest tax hikes in America, won the battle for a flat tax in Arizona, and made it one of the lowest-tax states in the country. Read more about our victory.

Defending Home-based Businesses

Working from home has been the norm for much of America’s history. Yet today, local governments are restricting Americans’ ability to start home-based businesses. The Goldwater Institute’s Home-Based Business Fairness Act is a state reform that says people who work from home without disturbing their residential neighborhoods can do so, without seeking a costly and time-consuming home occupation license. Learn more about it here.

More Issues

  • Property Rights

    Whether it’s a home or a business, the right to own property is a basic part of what it means..

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  • Jobs & Economy

    The right to use our talents, skills, and labor to earn a living is essential to freedom because it allows..

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  • Free Speech

    The First Amendment guarantees our freedoms of speech and association, which allow us to learn new ideas, share knowledge, and..

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  • Healthcare

    As Washington continues to debate our healthcare system nationwide, there are reforms that can be enacted today to improve access..

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  • Constitutional Rights

    The U.S. Constitution provides a basic minimum of protection for individual rights, while leaving states free to enact laws that..

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  • Limited Government

    From granting illegal subsidies to imposing needless regulations, government frequently oversteps its constitutional authority — wrongfully spending taxpayer dollars and..

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  • Education

    Too many students are trapped in schools that don’t meet their needs, and parents are left without choices for their..

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  • Academic Transparency

    Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy, Goldwater Institute

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Property Rights

Goldwater is protecting a cornerstone of Americans’ liberty: the right to own and use their property as they see fit.

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Jobs & Economy

When government stands in the way of people who just want to pursue their career, Goldwater breaks down barriers to work.

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Free Speech

Free speech is under attack in America. But Goldwater is leading the fight to protect Americans’ right to speak their minds.

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Healthcare

Goldwater is unleashing innovation in healthcare, fighting to protect and expand patient choice, access, and affordability.

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Constitutional Rights

Anytime government threatens to trample the U.S. Constitution, Goldwater is ready to go to court to defend our rights.

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Limited Government

Goldwater takes down cronyism, sweetheart deals, and government overreach so Americans are treated fairly and equally.

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Education

Goldwater is expanding school choice nationwide so families can get their children the education they deserve.

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Academic Transparency

Parents have a right to know what's being taught in the classroom, and we're defending that right.

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Donate Now

Help all Americans live freer, happier lives. Join the Goldwater Institute as we defend and strengthen freedom in all 50 states.

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Since 1988, the Goldwater Institute has been in the liberty business — defending and promoting freedom, and achieving more than 400 victories in all 50 states. Donate today to help support our mission.

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