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

NFIB: House
Passing Regulatory Reform Great Start to 2015

Transparency
and Accountability Crucial for Small Business

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 13,
2015 — The National Federation of Independent
Business (NFIB) today applauded the House for passing NFIB Key Vote,
H.R. 185, the Regulatory Accountability Act.

“NFIB commends members of the House who
voted to cut burdensome red tape by passing this regulatory reform legislation,”
said NFIB Vice President of Public Policy Amanda Austin. “The Regulatory
Accountability Act is a priority for small businesses because it requires
agencies to estimate both the direct and indirect cost of regulations on the
economy – which is often overlooked in the rulemaking process.”

Specifically,
the legislation increases public participation in shaping the most costly
regulations before they are proposed; requires that agencies must choose the
least costly option unless they can demonstrate a need to protect public
health, safety, or welfare; and provides for on-the-record administrative
hearings for the most costly regulations to insure that agency data is well
tested and reviewed. It will help federal agencies produce better regulations.

“In
NFIB’s most recent Small
Business Economic Trends survey,
“government requirements and red tape” ranked as the second-most frequent
answer when NFIB members were asked to identify the single most important
facing their small business. By adding transparency and accountability to the
regulatory process, this reform will help ensure that federal agencies produce more
sensible regulations. Regulatory reform is a priority for NFIB and we hope the Senate
takes up similar legislation to protect small businesses on Main Street,” added
Austin.

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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.