State Rep. Matthew Bierlein has sponsored legislation within a series of newly introduced, bipartisan reforms that roll back unnecessary regulations in Michigan and make life more affordable for residents and workers.

The reforms come after the announcement of the Red Tape Reduction Initiative by House Republicans earlier this year. As part of this initiative, the House Rules Committee sought to address the state’s cumbersome occupational licensing and permitting processes. The introduction of over 50 bills this week, including Bierlein’s, is just the first wave of efforts to reduce regulatory burdens and lower costs.

“Bureaucracy and regulation have grown to ridiculous levels and this impacts hundreds of thousands of hardworking people across Michigan,” Bierlein said. “Ultimately, this hurts our state. Instead of jumping through hoops with fees for licenses or permits, workers will just look for other opportunities elsewhere. Instead of absorbing costs for home building that gets passed down to consumers, families will look to other states where housing is more within their budgets. Getting government out of the way will go a long way to making our state more affordable and attractive.”

Bierlein’s plan eliminates jurisprudence examinations for optometrists, podiatrists, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants or occupational therapists. He noted that the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has also recommended the removal of these exams, declaring them redundant and that they don’t serve a public safety purpose.

The bill will soon be formally read into the record.