Assemblyman Guy Gregg

GREGG BILL SEEKING TO REDUCE EXCESSIVE GOVERNMENT REGULATION ADVANCES June 26, 2006

Assemblyman Guy Gregg/973-584-5422
Assembly Republican Office/609-292-5339

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Guy Gregg which expands the scope of the New Jersey Regulatory Flexibility Act when dealing with the impact of rules on small businesses today unanimously passed the New Jersey General Assembly.

"One size does not fit all," said Gregg, R- Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. "This reform measure increases the flexibility and responsiveness of state agencies that regulate small businesses. Administrative rules governing small business need to be clear-cut and workable."

The Gregg measure, A-2327, requires state agencies to streamline procedures in promulgating regulations and rules impacting small businesses. Additionally, the bill simplifies the process for businesses to appeal burdensome regulations.

Gregg said regulatory costs have a disproportionately onerous impact on small businesses.

"The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reports that small businesses with fewer than 20 employees face regulatory costs of almost $7,000 per employee per year," Gregg added. "This is a burden that many businesses just cannot bear. The bottom line is that the regulatory system, in its current form, is hurting our business community."

Gregg said excessive government regulation has hindered economic growth in New Jersey.

"New Jersey has steadily grown to become one of the worst states in the nation to do business," Gregg said. "Never-ending tax hikes and excessive regulation are definitely the cause of this frightening trend. We need to cut the red tape and get a grip on runaway regulatory measures."

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