Congressman Paulsen: Small Business Struggling With 'Over Regulation'

Lowering Regulatory Burdens to Create Jobs

Our job creators and small businesses are facing a lot of challenges these days.  One of the most pressing issues is also one that we don’t hear much about—over regulation.

At our country's foundation is the idea that citizens deserve the freedom to create new ideas and products in the marketplace without the overbearing influence of government. Today, we see government overreach in its regulatory and legislative constraint of businesses large and small - demoralizing innovation and stifling new investment. This week alone, administrative agencies proposed 75 new rules, and implemented another 98. The federal government has issued 38,960 pages of regulations in 2011, costing taxpayers and small businesses over $65 billion.  We need to rein in unnecessary and burdensome regulations on entrepreneurs, not bury them in more compliance and paperwork.

Trade Creates U.S. Jobs

Over 18,818 jobs in our district are directly supported by exports. Yesterday, I participated in a Ways & Means Committee hearing to move forward three pending free trade agreements currently before Congress. These agreements with Panama, South Korea and Columbia have strong bipartisan support, will create up to 250,000 new American jobs, and help jump start our lagging economy.

More than 95% of the world’s consumers reside outside our borders, and their demand for American products, produce, and services is growing daily. Trade and exports are a critical part of Minnesota’s economic health because new sales and new customers create jobs. 

In 2008, more than 80 percent of U.S. exports to Panama, South Korea and Columbia were small and medium-sized businesses.  I remain committed to opening up new markets and expanding our trade position around the world.  

Medical Technology Caucus Update

The Medical Technology Caucus, which I lead in the House of Representatives, continues to work together to find new ways to create an environment that spurs innovation and growth.  This past week, Ray Elliot, CEO of Boston Scientific Corp., a leading medical device company, wrote an interesting article that was published in the Star Tribune.  I encourage everyone to take a minute to read why Mr. Elliot believes we must Loosen government’s grip on med-tech.