WI Governor Signs Bill to Limit Regulatory Burderns

Governor Walker Boosts Small Businesses (Wednesday, February 22, 2012)

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Governor Signs Executive Order to Bolster Small Business Regulatory Review Board; Ensure Job Creators Are Not Hampered by Unnecessary Regulation

Madison—Today while visiting Dynamic Displays in Eau Claire, Governor Walker signed Executive Order (EO) 61 which will further empower the Small Business Regulatory Review Board to determine the economic impact of rules on small business and increase the flexibilities government must give employers when complying with regulations.

“Today we are taking another important step toward making our state an easier place to start up, expand, or relocate a small business,” said Governor Walker.  “Giving small business owners a seat at the table when discussing state regulations will help get buy-in for rules and regulations from employers, assist state agencies in promulgating rules that are realistic, and ultimately grow jobs in Wisconsin.”

The Executive Order signed by the Governor requires all state agencies to cooperate with the Small Business Regulatory Review Board in the rule review process.  Under the Governor’s order all agencies will cooperate with the Board to identify rules that hinder job creation and small business growth.  Agencies will also work with the Board to recommend changes to the rules that will reduce the burden on job creators while continuing to comply with the intent of the statutes that created them.

According to the National Federation of Independent Business, Wisconsin small businesses spend eighty percent more per worker than large employers to comply with government regulations.  91 percent of small businesses said it was impossible to know about, comply with, and understand all of government’s regulations.  Regulations are cited as one of the top three concerns for small business growth.

The EO is an extension of 2011 Wisconsin Act 46, which was signed into law by Governor Walker and made changes to the makeup of the Small Business Regulatory Review Board.  2011 Wisconsin Act 46 coupled with EO 61 requires agencies to assist small businesses with complying with rules, establish reduced fines for minor violations, and consider written warnings for rule violations made by small businesses who act in good faith to comply with a rule.

Governor Walker signed 2011 Wisconsin Act 46 to increase small businesses’ representation on the Small Business Regulatory Review Board.  Previously, the board consisted of more members of state government than small businesses.