NEWSRELEASE
For Release: May 5, 2003
Contact: John McDowell(202) 205-6941
john.mcdowell@sba.gov
SBA Number: 03-22 ADVO
Advocacy Delivers On President Bush’s Small Business Directive
Issues Compliance Guide To Regulatory Flexibility Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Now federal agencies will find it easier to comply with the law and consider their impact on small business before they regulate. The Office of Advocacy is making it easier by providing a compliance guide to the Regulatory Flexibility Act, required by Executive Order 13272, signed by President Bush in August 2002.
In signing the order, President George W. Bush delivered on a major piece of his Small Business Plan. The order requires that federal agencies, when writing new rules and regulations, implement policies protecting small businesses. The order specifically directs federal agencies to take steps that will ensure that they meet the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
“President Bush delivered on his promise to tear down regulatory barriers to job creation when he signed Executive Order 13272,” said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. “Now the Office of Advocacy has made it easier for federal agencies to follow the President’s order. The guide includes requirements of the RFA, recommendations, examples, and case law information - everything an agency will need,” he said.
Along with the guide, Advocacy has introduced a new email address where agencies can email proposed regulations for review. The new address, notify.advocacy@sba.gov eliminates potential postal delays and the need for Advocacy to receive hard copies. As required by the Executive Order, Advocacy will begin training of federal agencies in RFA compliance later this year.
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. 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 Counsel’s efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit www.sba.gov/advo , or call (202) 205-6533.