Roegner, McColley Introduce Priority Bill to Reduce Government Red Tape and Encourage Job Creation

COLUMBUS—State Senators Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) and Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) today introduced Senate Bill 1 in an effort to reduce government red tape needed for Ohio's continued economic growth. "Unnecessary red tape and regulation stifles the potential of Ohio's small businesses, limiting job opportunities for Ohioans," said Roegner. "We have a responsibility to ensure that any rules or regulations set by state government have a specific purpose and intent and do not create needless barriers to growth for our economy." This legislation will require Ohio's state agencies to reduce the overall number of state regulations by 30 percent over three years. It is targeted at eliminating outdated, unnecessary red tape and bringing Ohio's regulatory environment more in line with national averages. “The problem is not regulation but rather unnecessary or excessive regulation. Senate Bill 1 provides a way for us to unshackle Ohio from the regulatory albatross and unleash economic potential in our state," Roegner added. If agencies are unable to meet the 30 percent requirement, a "2-for-1" strategy would be implemented by which two regulations must be eliminated for each new one created. "As lawmakers, it is our duty to put in place ideal policies for economic success and job growth in our state," said McColley. "Overly burdensome regulations are a barrier to that end, and are clearly limiting opportunities for many of Ohio's businesses. This is why I am glad to see this legislation reintroduced as one of the Senate's top priorities for the 133rd General Assembly, and I hope to see swift consideration and passage." Senate Bill 1 will be referred to a committee for further consideration.