- Regulations should always be simple and transparent, focusing on the particular issue and should not become an opportunity to provide favoritism to particular special interests.
In his first inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson said that “the sum of good government” was one “which shall restrain men from injuring one another” and “shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry.” Sadly, governments – federal, state and local – have ignored this axiom and continue to rapidly expand the already immense regulatory state.
Virtually every facet of our lives is somehow touched by government regulations. The food, cars drive, work, and even mattresses are regulated, in some way, by federal, state and local governments. Americans spend more on this “tax” than any other expense except for housing.
The current regulatory system is broken. Onerous permitting requirements have made it extremely difficult, expensive and time-consuming to build much of anything these days. Overly burdensome regulations have also destroyed jobs and have negatively impacted businesses, small and large.
This is not to say that all regulations are bad and should be done away with entirely. Obviously, there is a role for governments to play in ensuring the air and water we breathe and drink is clean, food and medication we consume are safe and the places we work don’t pose significant threats to health and safety. That said, regulations should be transparent, fair, and impose minimal financial burdens on businesses and families.
An Ordinance to Amend Local Elections to Allow an Individual Candidates to be Nominated by a Political Party or Choose Not to be Nominated by a political party Final
[Insert Ordinance #] Whereas, Individuals running for political office are currently restricted from being nominated by a political party and Whereas, Individuals running for local office should be free to be nominated by a political party or choose not to affiliate with a political …
A Resolution for Open and Fair Competitive Bidding of Pipe Materials in State Infrastructure Grants Final
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Recycling containers – Cities or counties can work with retail establishments to place recycling containers for plastic bags and films in a prominent location within their store. This is done without mandates or ordinances. Reduce, reuse, recycle message on bags – Partners agree to have a message on each bag …
Congress has defined “coordination” as a government-to-government communication process, seeking consistency, in which local government has an equal negotiating position with the federal agencies. This government-to-government communication negotiating process allows local government to participate on an equal basis in all phases of planning and management of land, water and wildlife …
Local Right to Work Ordinance Summary American City County Exchange’s model Local Right to Work Ordinance provides that no employee need join or pay dues to a union, or refrain from joining a union, as a condition of employment. The ordinance establishes penalties and remedies for violations of …
ACCE Principles of Short Term Housing Rental Regulation Short-term housing rentals are becoming an important component of the travel and tourism economy in many communities throughout the country. Recently, some jurisdictions have passed — or are considering the passage of — onerous and burdensome regulations for short-term rentals, severely threatening …