Several years back, we had an increase in licensing fees and I was told at a meeting in Richmond, that the increase was to employ salon inspectors. I have yet to hear of a salon being inspected and some of them are not following proper infection control. This is deplorable in this day and age of so many blood borne pathogens and other contagious illnesses! Also, the fee increase will make it more diffiucult for high school students to take their State Board exam as many of their families are under financial duress. The cost of the items necessary to take the exam and the licensing fee is quite an expense for them.

Thank you so much for allowing me to express my concerns.

Respectfully submitted.