Since its founding at Saint Francis University (SFU) in 2016, the Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation (CSOR) has grown into one of the nation’s leading sources for thought leadership and research on how occupational licensing laws can create barriers to economic opportunity.
The center, led by Dr. Ed Timmons, has provided a critical understanding of how occupational licensing laws have proliferated and how they have impacted individuals. As a result, municipal and state policymakers have begun to scrutinize and reform their regulations in order to remove barriers to work and empower entrepreneurship.
To continue its mission to provide best in class research about the extent, scope, and effects of occupational regulation, CSOR has announced a move to West Virginia University.
“Whether it’s making it harder for healthcare workers to travel across state lines to help communities overwhelmed by COVID-19 or would-be entrepreneur from getting started, burdensome occupational laws stop people from reaching their potential,” said CKF Executive Director Ryan Stowers. “We’re excited to continue to support CSOR as it looks to expand its work and reach.”
The move will allow CSOR to scale its efforts and create new programming and capacities that will allow the center to achieve its mission.
“I am delighted to have the Knee Center as part of the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics,” said Josh Hall, Milan Puskar Dean. “Its policy-relevant research, commitment to experiential education opportunities for students, and engagement with veterans aligns perfectly with the mission of Chambers College and West Virginia University.”
CKF will support CSOR with a three-year, $1.4 million grant. The Knee Family Foundation and other donors will contribute an additional $2.1 million.
Read more about CSOR’s impact here and here .
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