More than 16,000 visitors and 300 suggestions have already rolled through the website for Gov. Matt Bevin’s Red Tape Reduction Initiative and organizations throughout the state are asking members for additional ideas.
Bevin announced the program in July with the promise to identify and eliminate or revise outdated and unnecessary state regulations that hamper business in Kentucky.
The initiative will cut through excess and complex regulatory burdens that create hardships for many business owners. And it will reduce the amount of government bureaucracy affecting Kentucky businesses, making the Commonwealth more business friendly.
“As a business owner, I understand firsthand how difficult it can be for a new or growing business to be aware of, understand and comply with every government regulation,” Bevin said. “While some regulations are very necessary and protect the public safety, others can stifle economic growth, impose unnecessary costs on businesses and impede private sector investment.
“These costs all get passed through to the consumer. I constantly hear from business owners that confusing government mandates and red tape are huge challenges for them. There are more than 4,500 state regulations on the books in Kentucky, and only 15 to 20 percent of them have ever been reviewed for effectiveness or ongoing need. This suffocating red tape is a problem that must be fixed and, with the help of all Kentuckians, we intend to do just that.”
He asked businesses and employees throughout the state to assist in this effort by identifying burdensome regulations, offering suggestions for improvement, and making submissions at www.RedTapeReduction.com.
As well, Bevin instructed cabinet secretaries to start a review of all currently regulations. He also asked all state employees, including those who enforce these regulations, to offer suggestions for improvement.
Business and organizations throughout the state, including the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, support the initiative.
Chamber President David Adkisson said the initiative has been a long time coming.
“I, on behalf of Kentucky businesses, could not be more pleased that this is taking place. I commend Gov. Bevin, and our members will take an active role in identifying outdated or cumbersome regulations,” he said.
A variety of Kentucky business leaders also received a preview of the initiative and responded enthusiastically.
Bevin is seeking input on red tape reduction ideas from businesses and individuals.
“Any person who has dealt with government at any level, may well have come across a regulation that just doesn’t seem to make sense. So, I invite all Kentuckians to contact us with their thoughts and ideas. We need all hands on deck to reduce the amount of government red tape in the Commonwealth.”
For more information on the initiative or to submit a suggestion on a regulation that should be reviewed, visit www.RedTapeReduction.com.
From Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet Communications