Voluntary licensing would hurt consumers

To the editor:As president of the New Hampshire Cosmetology Association for the past 12 years, it is my responsibility to monitor all legislation regarding our industry. On behalf of my 23,000 licensees under the state Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics, please be advised that we are all opposed to House Bill 446.This bill would allow licensing to be voluntary for our profession, along with many other professions. I, along with licensees I represent, have concerns that the passage of this bill will have a negative impact on the health, safety and welfare of the general public and consumers of our State. Proper education and licensing of our industry is essential to the well-being of the consumer.Fortunately, Reps. Peter Schmidt (Strafford) and Russell Day (Hillsborough) were willing to inexpedient-to-legislate this bill, and we thank them for their support. Although Reps. Spec Bowers (Sullivan), Carol Vita (Strafford) and John Sytek (Rockingham) patiently listened to all of the opposition and evidence presented, they were still not convinced that licensing should be required for all. Unfortunately, the sponsor of this bill, Spec Bowers, feels that the consumer should be self-informed. Pam NewPresidentNew Hampshire Cosmetology Association