Another Chicago Racket
on May 3rd, 2010 at 8:54 am
CHICAGO — (AP)Oumou Wague has been braiding hair in her Chicago shop for more than a decade, carrying on a tradition passed down for generations in her native Senegal. To braiders, her talent for weaving women’s hair into elaborate styles isn’t just a livelihood, it’s an art form.
But in the eyes of state regulators, it’s also illegal.
Illinois requires hair braiders to get a cosmetology degree — which can take 1,500 hours and cost $15,000 — and then apply for a license, just like people who give haircuts, manicures and facials. Proponents say the rules are needed to protect consumers if they develop problems such as hair loss or have service complaints.
[...]
Now Illinois lawmakers are trying to carve out some relief. Under legislation that passed the House and Senate and awaits the governor’s signature, braiders who prove they’ve practiced their craft for at least two years could automatically get a hair-braiding license after paying a fee. New braiders could get a license after undergoing 300 hours of training in braiding methods and sanitation. (more…)
Man, this is straight up gangsta government.
