Building a stronger Arizona is what we all want. Bringing
economic recovery, high-paying jobs and revenue to our state is the best way we
can elevate Arizona and keep our standard of living
high.
It is now time to figure out the best use of our
resources to attract new businesses to Arizona and work to adjust our regulatory
system to give Arizona the most favorable business environment possible. When
companies weigh our year-round great climate, our access to interstate
transportation, our well-educated workforce AND then
they see a favorable regulatory environment, then those companies will want to
expand into our state.
One step in building a more business-friendly environment
is to provide small businesses with a bill of rights. I co-sponsored HB2260,
small business bill of rights, which was signed into law by the Governor on
Wednesday, April 23, 2014.
HB2260 requires state agencies to create and
conspicuously post a small business bill of rights on their websites containing
all applicable and agency-specific statutory rights. This bill of rights must
include the process by which small businesses can file a complaint with the
Ombudsman over administrative acts of government
agencies.
In 1995, the office of Ombudsman-Citizens’
Aide was created as a way to make our state government more responsive to
Arizona citizens. When a citizen feels they have been unfairly treated or unduly
targeted by a state administrator, agency, department, board, or commission,
they may contact the Ombudsman to help resolve the dispute. Now, small
businesses have that same remedy.
Before HB2260, small businesses could be audited by
government agencies without any sort of recourse in a system that was ripe for
abuse. HB2260 is a major step in creating a business-friendly economic
environment and helping to attract new businesses to Arizona. In
addition, the Ombudsman must now prepare an annual report documenting the scope
and severity of reported violations and abuse by state
agencies.
HB2260 is a step in the right direction toward building a
stronger Arizona and making our business environment more attractive to
companies looking to relocate.
As the vice-chairman of the Commerce Committee, I believe
that we need to create a business-friendly environment in Arizona with a
favorable regulatory system that will entice businesses to relocate and bring
jobs to Arizona and help grow the businesses already here. As your Secretary of
State, I will work hard to continually keep Arizona front-of-mind with
businesses looking to relocate.
As I run for Secretary of State, help me build a stronger
Arizona, attract new businesses and jobs, and increase our state’s
revenue.
Thank you.
Michele
