Jerry Brown: “small manufacturing businesses striving to meet Federal regulatory requirements must have access to the technological…”

“small manufacturing businesses striving to meet Federal regulatory requirements must have access to the technological information they need to comply with Federal and State laws and regulations. Therefore, I am pleased that the Regulatory Flexibility Act title of this conference report makes it clear that any Federal agency with the requisite expertise is empowered to help in this effort. I am especially pleased that the Manufacturing Extension Program [MEP] of the National Institute of Standards and Technology will continue to provide its full menu of services in southern California and throughout the Nation. Those of us who have worked to promote the concept of technology extension over the years are well aware of the unique roles played by the Small Business Development Centers [SBDC], the Agricultural Extension Service, and other specialized programs in helping small business. Each of these programs, however, has limited funding; even when they are all putting forth their best efforts, there may not be enough resources to go around. If small business people are required to take time away from production to comply with environmental and other standards, we want them to locate the help to do so as readily as possible, whether that help comes from the Small Business Administration, the Department of Commerce, or the Department of Agriculture.”