Where are Washington's Priorities?
Earlier this month, President Obama actually seemed business-friendly. He vowed to cut through hundreds of governmental regulations.
"Show us particular regulations that may be getting in the way of you hiring, and, there are going to be some that are important," Obama said. "You know, we want clean air, we want clean water. But if there is a bunch of bureaucratic red tape and it's not actually improving the situation, then let's figure out how to get rid of some existing rules."
Aides claim this will save businesses ten billion dollars over five years. And as the President found out during his bus tour: excessive government regulation matters to real people in the heartland. But Mr. Obama tried to downplay concerns. It turns out - the president was just making room for more rules - out with the old, in with the new! In a letter to Speaker John Boehner, the Obama Administration is considering seven new government regulations that would cost at least a billion dollars every year they are in effect. Obama lists four proposed environmental protection agency rules and three transportation department rules. One of the proposed EPA rules - which updates national standards for smog - may actually cost upwards of $90 billion when all is said and done. And who pays for this? American businesses do. The president said the seven proposals he did identify are not final and that his administration will give "careful consideration" to cost-savings. Now isn't that comforting! Keep in mind Obama's administration has already proposed 219 regulations this year - with a cost to the economy of more than $100 million each. Boehner responded saying, "At a time like this, with our economy struggling to create jobs, it's misguided for the federal government to be imposing so many new rules with such enormous costs, even when some of those rules may be well-intentioned." That is why the Republican-controlled House is considering legislation requiring congressional approval for any new regulations that would impose a significant cost on businesses. Maybe the White House needs a reminder - we have a 9.1% unemployment rate. We have consumer confidence at record lows. Housing prices hitting recession levels again. And you're instituting more job-killing rules?!? Putting aside the cost factor for a moment - how about getting your priorities back on track!
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