SR-27, As Adopted by Senate, May 31, 2011

 

 

            Senators Kowall, Brandenburg, Casperson, Pavlov, Green, Nofs, Colbeck, Booher, Proos, Kahn and Schuitmaker offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 27.

            A resolution to urge the President of the United States to impose a moratorium on any new regulations and to memorialize the Congress of the United States enact the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act.

            Whereas, The difficult economy Michigan has faced over the past decade and the challenges before our country as we compete in the global marketplace make it clear that government policies at all levels need to change. In addition to more appropriate tax policies, it is essential that regulatory requirements must reflect the realities facing businesses across our state and nation. While it is always important to make sure regulations are reasonable and provide a fair measure of protections without imposing a crushing burden on job creators, the need for this approach is dramatized when unemployment rates hover near double digits or higher; and

            Whereas, Nonproductive and burdensome regulations take a major toll on the job-creating capacity of companies of all sizes and types. The total cost of complying with all federal regulations has been estimated to be as high as more than $1 trillion, which amounts to $10,500 each year for every person employed by a small business. This cost is strangling the national and state economy; and

            Whereas, The onslaught of excessive regulations is wide-ranging and reflects proposals concerning the so-called greenhouse gases issue, the many mandates soon to befall the country in health care, and excessive financial and consumer protection measures. Many of these regulations directly impede our capacity to compete with other countries; and

            Whereas, Congress has before it legislation that would implement a new approach to the entire regulatory process. The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act (H.R.10) would greatly revamp the regulatory process. This measure would bring regulations more in line with the constitutional powers granted to Congress, and it would require Congress to review and approve major rules. This change would bring greater accountability to the federal government and strengthen the faith the American people have in how laws are implemented on their behalf; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the President of the United States to impose a moratorium on any new regulations and memorialize the Congress of the United States to pass the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.