Regulatory Reforms Need Business Input
You don't have to look far to find a business group complaining of government regulation or a politician promising to fix it. Usually, the fixes never come and the complaints never stop. But something unusual is happening in Massachusetts which presents a unique opportunity for positive change for businesses.
Governor Patrick recently directed all state agencies to review all state regulations to look for opportunities to reduce costs and administrative burdens on small businesses, maximize agencies' operational efficiencies, and improve transparency and process predictability. In fact, the administration plans to review 1,000 regulations before the end of 2012 and has already identified 150 changes. These changes aim to reduce duplicative permitting and reporting requirements, allow for better use of modern technology, simplify licensing and business operations, and better coordinate agencies where responsibilities seem to overlap.
This just makes plain old good sense.
Examples of the proposed changes include eliminating the requirement that prospective architects appear in person before an agency to register for the national licensing exam for architects. Massachusetts will now allow them to register online directly. Additionally, the reporting requirements for the Rideshare Program- an employer-based initiative to encourage car pooling - will be streamlined and the survey requirements reduced. And, duplicative sewer extension permits will be eliminated, requiring only local review.
The Governor's Economic Development Planning Council issued a report in November 2011 that called for a variety of steps to improve the state's economic posture. Among them were regulatory reforms aimed at increasing the ease of doing business. The governor's announcement last month reflected the spirit of the council's agenda, and it's nice to see the elements of that plan coming to life.
Thanks to the leadership of State Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), the Legislature passed a law in 2010 calling for a new set of protocols for agencies to consider the business impacts of new regulations. The impacts will now be considered on all new regulations, giving businesses greater opportunity to weigh in during the rule-making process. This is good for businesses and, in turn, good for economic growth.
For business owners throughout Massachusetts, this is welcome news. Our policy makers are making changes and reforming government in ways that will have positive impacts on our state's economic climate for many years. We're demonstrating how to address problems and produce balanced, common-sense solutions without abandoning important things like natural resources, public health and consumer protection.
While state government is leading this charge, there's a role here for business, too: It's incumbent to engage in this process, which includes lending support for good ideas and presenting alternatives for not-so-good ideas. Regulators need insight from businesses and practitioners who have to comply with regulations regularly and who can bring different perspectives to the discussion.
The administration has done a good job of starting this process and inviting smarter, innovative solutions. But like every effective policy, this needs to be a partnership in which both government and business accept responsibility for their respective roles and push for solutions. I encourage all businesses to seize this opportunity.
Bonnie Biocchi is president and CEO of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, based in Framingham.
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