This measure, while similar to legislation approved by the House in the last two Congresses, excludes controversial language that would have waived civil fines on small businesses for first-time paperwork violations.  However, I maintain significant reservations about voting on a small business bill that was never considered by the Small Business Committee on which I proudly serve.  

One concern I would have liked to address in the committee is the need to balance the reduction in paperwork with the prevention of willful mistakes and worker safety hazards.  It is our responsibility to ensure that the workplace remains safe.  Further, we need to maintain our ability to sanction those small numbers of businesses that are undercutting their competition by willingly circumventing or ignoring the law.  

Small businesses are the backbone of Rhode Island’s economy and account for more than 95 percent of the job market in the state.  They create new businesses and jobs; bring new and innovative services and products to the marketplace; and provide business ownership opportunities to diverse and traditionally underrepresented groups.  I remain committed to the small business community of Rhode Island and will support the Small Business Paperwork Reduction Act, but I strongly urge my colleagues to continue to examine this issue through the appropriate legislative process.