Issue Position: Small Business
Issue Position
As a small business owner, Sue has first-hand experience with inefficient state rules and requirements that make it more difficult to start and run a business. As a legislator, she has always been concerned about the impact of burdensome regulations and the lack of funding to support small business development.
That's why she supported several bills that became law in 2010 to encourage the development and growth of small businesses. These new laws and initiatives will ease regulatory burdens and provide crucial financial resources to businesses in South County and throughout Rhode Island.
The successful legislation she supported includes measures that:
Create a Web-based statewide master application system to help businesses locate and file applications for licenses and permits. This system will dramatically decrease the time and effort needed to start a small business.
Allow for simultaneous review by state and municipal agencies of applications to streamline the permitting process for businesses. Before, many agencies required another agency's prior approval before beginning the review process.
Reserve four seats on the Economic Development Corporation, and one seat on the State Apprenticeship Council, for small business representatives.
Authorize $125 million for the Economic Development Corporation to provide loan guarantees to help Rhode Island businesses expand.
Strengthen the Community College of Rhode Island's workforce development efforts and student training programs.
Amend the state fire safety code to require uniform qualifications and training for deputy state fire marshals to ensure efficient building plan review and uniform code interpretation.
Establish a regulatory reform office in the Economic Development Corporation with the power to intervene on behalf of businesses in state or municipal regulatory or permitting processes to assure consistent and efficient application of regulations. The office will make annual recommendations on consolidation and elimination of permitting regulations.
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