Recently in the Regulation Category

President Barak Obama announced a new plan that would reform the way government agancies work for small businesses and announced a move to elevate the position of SBA Administrator to a cabinet-level position. The plan will consolidate the various departments focused on business, commerce and trade to a single, streamlined department.

WIPP strongly supports this effort and released a statement applauding the President's plan.

This reform should help make the government work better for small businesses by consolidating the efforts fo such agencies as the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Commerce Department, the Office of the US Trade Representative, the Export-Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corp. and the Trade and Development Agency into a one-stop shop for business needs.

The plan, which will require Congressional approval, also aims to rpovide a more accessable, more efficient resource for small business owners. SBA Administrator Karen Mills pointed out that the small business arm of this consolidated department would provide a greater range of programs and opportunites for small businesses and assured that small business interests would be at the core of this new department. WIPP has strongly advocated on behalf of its members for reduced regualtions and simplified resources for small business owners and fully supports this major step in that direction.

WIPP also applauds the Presidents' related move to elevate the position of SBA Administrator to a cabinet-level position. WIPP is pleased to see the President's recognition of the vital role that small businesses play in growing jobs and growing the economy and looks forward to seeing the additional progress that the elevation of the SBA can bring to the small business community. With this move, small businesses will have a stronger voice to advocate for change on the policies and issues that affect them. During this time of economic recovery, it is more important than ever that small business has a seat at the policy-making table.

Tomorrow, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on H.R. 1002, the Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011.  H.R. 1002 would put a five-year moratorium on the taxes and fees charged to wireless consumers.

According to the findings, of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), the average wireless consumer is charged more than 16% in taxes and fees while other taxable goods and services are only 7.4%.  Additionally, 47 states along with the District of Columbia are charging wireless consumers more than other taxable goods and services. Five states, including Nebraska, Washington, New York, Florida and Illinois, charge more than 20%.

As a result, more than 140 Senators and Representatives have co-sponsored the Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011.  This bipartisan legislation would put a five-year freeze on these taxes and fees.  The freeze would allow wireless consumers some much needed relief during these challenging conditions and give time for an examination into the discrepancy of wireless tax rates as compared to other goods and services.  Moreover, the freeze would not take away any existing revenue from state and local governments, but would give them time to reform their wireless tax policies.

If you are in favor of this legislation, please make your voice heard by contacting your Representatives and Senators.  With the House voting tomorrow, be sure to voice your support for this bill to Representative of your Congressional district.  Write your elected officials here.