Fung Proposes Reform of Business Regulation for Rapid Service
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Cranston Mayor and Republican candidate for Governor, Allan Fung, renewed and expanded upon his call last week to streamline state regulations to allow businesses to grow and create jobs. Today Fung proposed a measure to rapidly respond to applications for licenses and permits for businesses in Rhode Island, in addition to a temporary moratorium on new state government regulation, should he be elected governor.
“I have a two-part plan to reduce the burden of state regulation on Rhode Island businesses, which will help existing companies succeed, while also attracting new business to our state,” commented Fung in a press release on Tuesday. “As Mayor of Cranston, I helped local businesses navigate the licensure and permitting process from beginning to end… By streamlining regulation and requiring timely responses, we can promote better communication with applicants to help create thousands of new jobs statewide.”
Fung has also pledged to issue an executive order temporarily halting the issuance of new regulations from executive branch departments and agencies of state government. The moratorium is intended to provide an opportunity for individual agencies, as well as the Rhode Island Office of Regulatory Reform, to assess current regulations and their impact on business.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“We need real reform to help businesses get their door open quickly so they can put more Rhode Islanders to work,” said Fung. “There are more than sixteen hundred state regulations that impact Rhode Island business and it is imperative to limit the cost of compliance to encourage companies to succeed.”
The Case of Pentec
Fung referred to the case of Pentec, a company that sought approval to provide specialized, in-home nursing services in Rhode Island, but later withdrew its application after reportedly waiting seven months and spending $100,000 without receiving a final response to its application. Fung’s proposal is similar to provisions, which already are in force in several states, providing for approval of applications for rate increases and applications for certain business permits unless they have been denied within a specified time period. Fung’s proposal would be subject to exceptions for regulations related to the protection of public health and safety and regulations that are the subject of a court order or federal law that would result in sanctions for failure to enforce.
“Rhode Island has developed a reputation for being unfriendly to businesses, which is a reputation that we simply can’t afford,” said Fung. “With an unemployment rate that is the highest in the nation, we need to make a commitment to fundamental change in our state… As Governor, I will institute real changes to make Rhode Island ‘Open for Business’ once again.”
Related Slideshow: 10 Questions Fung Has to Answer When Running for Gov of RI
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