Senate approves Sanborns ombudsman bill
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
LANSING--Legislation creating an office of independent business ombudsman in Michigan passed out of the state Senate today, said Sen. Alan Sanborn, sponsor of the measure.
Senate Bill 2 would create the position to assist job providers in dealing with regulatory agencies and help ensure a fair and effective regulatory environment.
“Companies currently doing businesses in Michigan and those considering relocating here must have a business ombudsman who will be responsive to their concerns,” said Sanborn, R-Richmond Township. “Unfortunately that is not now the case, and that is why it is necessary that SB 2 be signed into law.”
According to Site Selection magazine, regulatory climate is ranked by businesses as the second most important location decision, just after workforce training.
Sanborn’s legislation would create the office of business ombudsman within the Michigan Strategic Fund. The ombudsman would be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, and the position would be empowered to investigate and review the actions of regulatory agencies.
Agencies would be required to disclose what actions they have taken in response to the ombudsman’s recommendations or the reasons for not complying.
“A statutory business ombudsman can help companies cut through the bureaucracy that they so often find themselves in,” said Sanborn. “This is good policy that will encourage economic growth.”
Print friendly version
Email this page
Share this page via social bookmarking
