Providence, RI – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today unveiled his new online Small Business Suggestion Box, another tool in the effort to incorporate business perspectives into the ongoing work of regulatory reform. The suggestion box is being launched by the Office of Management and Budget's Office of Regulatory Reform (ORR), within the Department of Administration.
"I applaud my administration for developing a suggestion box, which is a natural extension of our successful yearly small business survey," Governor Chafee said. "This new tool ramps up our outreach efforts, and gives businesses the opportunity to easily provide real-time feedback on the state's regulatory environment."
Members of the business community will be able to provide feedback on specific regulations – as well as other topics – at their convenience and as it fits into their busy schedules. Additionally, businesses will be able to articulate the impact that rules and regulations have on them and offer suggestions for improvement.
"During its regulatory review, ORR discovered that regulators that actively seek the input of small businesses have a better sense of the costs and benefits associated with regulation," Office of Management and Budget Director, Peter Marino, said. "This new tool improves the office's ability to track issues and stay current on trends in the business community – it allows the office to continually update agencies on problem areas and better serve as a small business advocate."
"The suggestion box feedback will serve as a critical tool in ongoing reform efforts," said Derrick Pelletier, ORR's Senior Management and Methods Analyst. "As regulatory agencies wrap up their review of all regulations, the suggestion box will provide ORR direction on which specific regulations are in need of deeper analysis, allowing for more targeted recommendations."
The Small Business Suggestion Box is located on the Office of Management and Budget's new website at http://www.omb.ri.gov/reform/suggestion-box.php.
Businesses with concerns regarding active permitting, regulatory matters (e.g. audits, onsite inspections, compliance assistance, or other enforcement related activities) or to learn more about the suggestion box can contact the ORR Small Business Ombudsman at 401-574-8426.