NEWSRELEASE
For Release: May 11, 2005 Indiana Acts To Support Small Business Gives Small Business A Voice In The State Regulatory Process WASHINGTON, D.C. - Indiana small businesses will face a friendlier regulatory
environment, thanks to a new law that gives Indiana’s small businesses a voice
in the state’s regulatory process. “Indiana’s small business owners now have a seat at the table when regulatory
decisions are made,” said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. “When
their voice is heard, better decisions are made, and that means more jobs and
growth for Indiana.” The law, signed by Governor Mitch Daniels on May 6, 2005, was authored by
Representative Terri Austin (Anderson) and co-authored by Representatives Cindy
Noe (Indianapolis), Carolene Mays (Indianapolis) and Randy Borror (Fort Wayne).
Lead Senate sponsors were Senator Tim Lanane (Anderson) and Senator David Ford
(Hartford City). Senators Beverly Gard (Greenfield) and Joe Zakas (Granger) also
participated as Senate co-sponsors of the bill. The successful passage and signing of Indiana’s Small Business Regulatory
Flexibility bill resulted from Indiana small business stakeholders working
together in a coalition. The Indiana National Federation of Independent Business
(NFIB), Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and
Indiana Manufacturers Association also deserve recognition for their efforts in
supporting the legislation and helping to facilitate a vibrant and growing small
business sector in Indiana. Indiana’s Small Business Regulatory Flexibility bill (House Bill 1822)
implements key elements of regulatory flexibility model legislation drafted by
the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Similar to the
federal Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), the model legislation encourages
entrepreneurial success by requiring state agencies to consider the impact of
their policies on small business before they issue final regulations. “HB 1822 sends a positive message to Hoosier entrepreneurs and will assist in
Indiana's economic development efforts," said Jason Shelley, Indiana State
Director for the NFIB. 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 on small business issues. For more information, visit the Office of Advocacy website at
www.sba.gov/advo ### 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 analysis, and small business outreach help
identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC,
support the Chief Counsel’s efforts. For more information on the Office of
Advocacy, visit
www.sba.gov/advo
Contact: John McDowell, 02) 205-6941
john.mcdowell@sba.gov
SBA Number: 05-24 ADVO
Press Kit