NEWSRELEASE
For Release: May 13, 2004
Contact: John McDowell, (202) 205-6941
john.mcdowell@sba.gov
SBA Number: 04-16 ADVO
House Committee
Takes Important Step Towards
Paperwork And Regulatory Reduction
Small Businesses Call Federal Paperwork A Significant Problem
WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform has taken an important step in reducing the federal paperwork and regulatory burden on small business by passing H.R. 2432, the Paperwork and Regulatory Improvements Act of 2004.
"American small business needs a reduction in its paperwork and regulatory burden," said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. "Small businesses tell us that the federal paperwork burden continues to be one of their most significant problems. Committee passage of this bill means that the entire House of Representatives can soon vote on the measure. I urge the House to swiftly pass the bill so small businesses can get relief," he said.
Sullivan has previously testified twice in support of the Paperwork and Regulatory Improvements Act. As well-documented by the Office of Advocacys Crain-Hopkins report, small business continues to pay a disproportionately large share of the total federal regulatory burden. For firms employing fewer than 20 employees, the annual regulatory burden in 2000 was estimated to be $6,975 per employee - nearly 60% higher than the $4,463 estimated for large firms with more than 500 employees.
The Office of Advocacy, the "small business watchdog" of the government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to federal agencies, Congress, and the President. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats and it funds research into small business issues.
For more information, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.
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Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsels efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.