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.
Jobs & Economy
Recent Highlights
Goldwater Heads Back to AZ Supreme Court to Protect Taxpayers’ Rights
The Arizona Supreme Court announced Tuesday that it will take up the Goldwater Institute’s latest lawsuit against unconstitutional government subsidies to private businesses. The case—which involves the city of Scot...
Over 8,000 Free to Work in AZ Thanks to Goldwater-Led Universal License Recognition
Over 8,000 professionals have applied for and been granted a license to work in Arizona thanks to the Goldwater Institute-led universal recognition of occupational licenses reform—in fields ranging from medicine to co...
Arkansas Small Business Owner Sues Government for Destroying His Livelihood
Arkansas business owner Steven Hedrick poured his heart and soul into his small business, renting dumpsters to residents and businesses alike. But then the city of Holiday Island tried to run him out of business by forc...
Yuma Illegally Sneaks Property Tax Past Voters; Goldwater Fights Back
If the government is going to take a cut of your hard-earned money through taxation, it had better follow the law in doing so. And it certainly shouldn’t use backroom maneuvers to avoid democratic accountability and b...
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.
Defending Freedom to Work in Court
More Issues
Property Rights
Goldwater is protecting a cornerstone of Americans’ liberty: the right to own and use their property as they see fit.
Jobs & Economy
When government stands in the way of people who just want to pursue their career, Goldwater breaks down barriers to work.
Free Speech
Free speech is under attack in America. But Goldwater is leading the fight to protect Americans’ right to speak their minds.
Healthcare
Goldwater is unleashing innovation in healthcare, fighting to protect and expand patient choice, access, and affordability.
Constitutional Rights
Anytime government threatens to trample the U.S. Constitution, Goldwater is ready to go to court to defend our rights.
Limited Government
Goldwater takes down cronyism, sweetheart deals, and government overreach so Americans are treated fairly and equally.
Education
Goldwater is expanding school choice nationwide so families can get their children the education they deserve.
Academic Transparency
Parents have a right to know what's being taught in the classroom, and we're defending that right.
Donate Now
Help all Americans live freer, happier lives. Join the Goldwater Institute as we defend and strengthen freedom in all 50 states.
Donate NowSince 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.
We Protect Your Rights
Our attorneys defend individual rights and protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Need Help? Submit a case.