Libertarians favor voluntary exchange, support property rights, and believe all people have the right to offer goods and services to others. We understand that free and competitive markets are the most effective way to allocate resources and government interference in markets distorts economic activity, creates perverse incentives, and increases prospects for crony capitalism. As a result, Libertarians believe the only proper role of government in the economy is to protect property rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a legal framework to protect voluntary trade.

 

We oppose all forms of government subsidies and bailouts to business, labor, or any other special interest. Individuals and groups should succeed or fail by competing on a level playing field in free and fair markets. Government subsidies are inefficient, can harm growth, and encourage market participants to seek political favors from government. 

We favor reforming or eliminating occupational licensing laws. Individuals should have the freedom to engage in a chosen occupation without unreasonable regulation. Occupational licensing creates barriers to opportunity that harm economic mobility and the least fortunate.

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We favor reducing or eliminating regulations that burden businesses. This includes amending or repealing regulations that unreasonably impede entry into any market or industry. Excessive regulations have negative economic effects on competition, investment, and job creation -- these effects are disproportionately burdensome on small-businesses.

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We favor abolishing all rent control laws. Libertarians affirm the right of property owners to control, use, transfer, or dispose of their property. In addition, rent control, along with restrictive zoning laws and onerous regulations, disincentivizes investment in housing and contributes to housing shortages.

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We are against government-imposed smoking bans that affect private property and businesses. Libertarians favor property rights and consumer choice: Business and property owners should decide for themselves whether or not to allow smoking in their establishments and consumers should decide whether or not to do business with them.

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We favor a free-market healthcare system. Individuals should be free to make decisions about all aspects of their medical care including insurance coverage, health providers, medicines, treatments, and end-of-life decisions. Libertarians support the removal of government mandates and interference with competition, price transparency, and consumer choice in healthcare markets.