Do not reduce the Cosmetology training hours from 1500 to 1000.

This change would not benefit the Cosmetology student for numerous reasons. Education is valuable in all fields. By taking away education from students/graduates, we are taking away their value and the chance to change the world.  Nelson Mandela said: "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." Cosmetology students deserve an education that allows for time to develop not only their practical skills, but also their soft skills.  Cosmetology students want to not only graduate , get licensed, work in the field, but most importantly to make a living supporting their families. By reducing the hours you are devaluing our students education, which we fear will lead to devauled pay, i.e minimum wage paying jobs.

Reducing the hours will impact the ability of our military student/graduate to transfer their license to a bordering state since all are 1500 hours or higher.

For students using Title IV funds, the Pell grant will be reduced by thousands of dollars, therefore increasing the out-of=pocket costs.  Reducing federal aid money will reduce enrollment, leading to a workforce shortage.

The workforce will be impacted by this change as enrollment will be halted as schools seek program approval through DPOR, and SCHEV, then their acceditor, as well as the Department of Education, all of which take considerable time .

Small businesses need and want graduates prepared to work immediately behind the chair.  The Regulatory Advisory Panel was only asked questions about what time is necessary for the safety of the general public, but were not asked about the time needed to be skilled at cosmetology services.  Cosmetology students deserve 1500 hours to learn, and develop their skill in school, so they can be confident & successful behind the chair and remain in this beautiful industry for many years.

DO NOT REDUCE THE COSMETOLOGY HOURS!