January Small Business Advocate

Small Business Administration (SBA) sent this bulletin at 01/24/2020 10:19 AM EST
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Anniversary 40 Years of the RFA
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2020 Milestones for Small Business

The new decade marks several important milestones for small business, including the 40th anniversary of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and 44th anniversary of the Office of Advocacy. It is also the third anniversary of E.O.s 13771 and 13777, which were designed to limit unnecessary federal regulation. 
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SBA Welcomes Administrator Jovita Carranza

On Jan. 14, Jovita Carranza was sworn in as the 26th Administrator of the Small Business Administration. She previously served as Deputy Administrator from 2006-2009. SBA is fortunate to have a leader with agency experience who is committed to the agency's mission. Welcome Administrator Carranza!
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Major Clark Recognized by World Bank Group

Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy Major Clark was recognized by the World Bank Group for his work on regulatory reform and his contributions to Doing Business 2020, the 17th edition of an annual study measuring regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. 
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REGULATORY CORNER

FCC Requests Comments on Proposal to Modernize Unbundling and Resale Rules

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking input on its proposed rule to update its unbundling and resale rules. Comment deadline: Feb. 5, 2020.

EPA Releases Revised Document to Review New Chemicals Under TSCA

The Environmental Protection Agency released a revised document to clarify and provide additional details on its approaches and practices related to the review of new chemicals under the Toxic Substance Control Act. Comment deadline: Feb. 18, 2020.

USCIS Announces Earlier Registration and Lottery Process for H-1B Visas

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the implementation of the H-1B visa registration process for H-1B cap subject individuals. Registration period: Mar. 1-20, 2020.

FAA Seeks Input on Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The Federal Aviation Administration published a proposed rule to establish requirements for the remote identification of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) operating in U.S. airspace. Comment deadline: Mar. 2, 2020.

USDA Requests Comments on Proposal to Specify Criteria on Violations of the Packer and Stockyards Act

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service published a proposed rule to protect fair trade, financial integrity and competitive marketing for livestock, meat and poultry under the Packers and Stockyards Act. Comment deadline: Mar. 13, 2020.

Advocacy Submits Comments to CFPB on TRID Assessment

Advocacy recommends that Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection conduct a study to determine the economic impact of the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule on small entities and conduct further outreach to small business.

Advocacy Files Comments with EPA on Wastewater Standards for Coal-Fired Power Plants

Advocacy commends EPA for its work in the reconsideration of the 2015 steam electric rule, but encourages EPA to consider alternatives and address issues with Regulatory Flexibility Act compliance.

AROUND THE COUNTRY

Small Businesses Bring Big Innovation to the Consumer Electronic Show

Assistant Chief Counsel Jamie Saloom attended the Consumer Electronics Show, where she spoke with small businesses about their regulatory burdens. She also heard from Federal Communications Commission representatives, who spoke about their approaches to consumer protection, national security, and technology. 

After Four Decades, Kevin Bromberg Retires from Advocacy

Kevin Bromberg, longtime assistant chief counsel for environmental policy and advocate for responsible environmental policy for small business, retired from Advocacy on Jan.3, 2020. 

Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy Major Clark welcomes newly confirmed SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza. 

Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy Major Clark welcomes newly confirmed SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza. 

 

ECONOMIC RESEARCH

New Research on Self-Employed Workers with Limiting Health Conditions

Advocacy recently released a report on trends among older workers, who face a higher risk that health problems could drive them out of the labor force. However, self-employed workers may be able to better manage the challenges. Read more here. 

Advocacy Releases Fact Sheet on Growth in Number of Rural Establishments

"Growth in Number of Rural Establishments," a new fact sheet from Advocacy, highlights the growth of rural vs. metropolitan establishments and which states lead rural growth. Click here to read more.

Need Help With Regulatory Issues?

 

There are three main ways you can connect with Advocacy and share your concerns about regulatory burdens on small businesses:

 

1) Fill Out This Form and share it with your small business colleagues.

 

2) Talk to Your Regional Advocate about the regulatory issues your small business is experiencing.

 

3) Check Out Advocacy's Publication, "A Basic Guide to Federal Rulemaking and Small Business" to learn how small business can get involved in the federal rulemaking process.