NEWSRELEASE
For Release: April 1, 2003
Contact: John McDowell (202) 205-6941
john.mcdowell@sba.gov
SBA Number: 03-16 ADVO
Chief Counsel Supports Advocacy Independence
Line-Item Will Ensure Small Business Watchdogs Effectiveness
WASHINGTON, D.C. A budget line-item will allow the federal governments small business watchdog, the Office of Advocacy, the freedom it needs to protect small business. Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, delivered that message to Congress today in testimony before the Subcommittees on Workforce, Empowerment and Government Programs, and Regulatory Reform and Oversight of the House Committee on Small Business.
In his testimony, Sullivan noted that independence and flexibility are what allow the Office of Advocacy to pursue the small business agenda in Washington and across the country. He pointed out that Advocacy is "an independent voice to say what is right or wrong about government policies or regulations." He said that the offices budget process should reflect that same independence.
"I am pleased to report that the current SBA Administrator, Hector Barreto, is one of our strongest supporters, said Sullivan. He continued, "His budget decisions reflect the President's priorities and the critical role our office plays in helping small business. However, a day may come when future SBA administrators and chief counsels do not get along as well. The current budget process is a dangerous one because the Office of Advocacy's budget is too easily pillaged when administration priorities change."
Sullivan further testified that, "a line-item would provide assurance to small entities that they can continue to count on the Office of Advocacy as a strong and independent voice on their behalf." Moreover, he added that the "flexibility and independence have allowed Advocacy unprecedented access to rules in the earliest stages of the rulemaking process. The result of this early intervention was a cost savings to small businesses of $21 billion in fiscal year 2002 alone."
The Office of Advocacy examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to 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.