www.NFIB.com
For Immediate Release
Contact:  Eric Reller
202-314-2073 or [email protected]

NFIB
Supports Regulatory Reform Legislation

 Transparency
and Accountability Crucial for Small Business

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 7,
2015 — The National Federation of Independent
Business (NFIB) today applauded Rep. Bob Goodlatte for introducing H.R.
185, the Regulatory Accountability Act.

“Small
business owners support this regulatory reform legislation because it requires
agencies to estimate both the direct and indirect cost of regulations on the
economy,” said NFIB Manager of Regulatory Policy Dan Bosch. “Since regulations
disproportionately impact small companies, allowing the public to see the
entire impact of a rule is critical to add transparency to the rulemaking
process.”

Specifically,
the legislation would increase public participation in shaping the most costly
regulations before they are proposed; require that agencies must choose the
least costly option unless they can demonstrate a need to protect public
health, safety, or welfare; and provide for on-the-record administrative
hearings for the most costly regulations to insure that agency data is well
tested and reviewed. In short, it would help ensure that federal agencies
produce sensible regulations.

“This
legislation makes the regulatory process more transparent, agencies more
accountable, and regulations more cost-effective. Reforming the regulatory
process is a priority for NFIB and we hope the House moves this legislation
forward and protects small businesses on Main Street,” added Bosch.

NFIB has
long advocated for reforms to the bloated regulatory process – garnering
bipartisan support dating back to the Clinton administration. By promoting
greater public participation in the regulatory process, agencies can better
embody the principles of fairness and transparency in rulemaking.

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NFIB
is the nation’s leading small business advocacy association, with offices in
Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 to give
small-business owners a voice in public policy-making, NFIB’s policy positions
are set by its 350,000 business-owner members, who send their views directly to
state and federal lawmakers through NFIB’s unique member-only ballot. NFIB’s
mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and
grow their businesses. More information is available online at www.NFIB.com/news.