Ohio officials know we have work to do if we want to expand and diversify the state’s economy.

Free-market think tank The Buckeye Institute has some ideas on that front.

Among them are adopting strategic education reforms that both meet the long-term demands of employers and give those who are out of work the training they need to relieve short-term labor shortages. Another idea is one lawmakers can tackle quickly: “Rewrite antiquated regulatory chokepoints like the state’s occupational licensing regime to ease labor flow issues and spur economic growth across industries.”

Other states have also begun to look at the damage done to the economy as prohibitive licensing and permitting requirements stunt the growth of local economies.

It seems clear that some of the occupations for which a license or permit is required do not need such limitations.

“Ohio’s persistent failure to adopt structural economic reforms and adjust public policy to changing market conditions has left the state unprepared to thrive or even compete in a global, 21st Century economy,” said Logan Kolas, economic policy analyst with The Buckeye Institute.

Regulations such as licensing and permits are an easy place to reverse failures, should Buckeye State lawmakers decide to get to work on the matter.