Kim Reynolds: “I rise in support of H.R. 350, the Mandates Information Act of 1999. Building on a very successful Unfunded Mandates…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 350, the Mandates Information Act of 1999. Building on a very successful Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, H.R. 350 extends to small businesses the same protections Congress offers to State and local governments, that if the Federal Government mandates it, the Federal Government should pay for it. Throughout my career, I have been somewhat of a crusader against unfunded government mandates. As a former county and State legislator, I know too well the hidden and high costs that mandates impose on our Nation's local governments. Small businesses as well have been impacted by mandates that do not just increase the cost of doing business. Consumers pay a price through higher retail prices, hinder production, and reduce job opportunities. Mr. Chairman, our Nation's small businesses and farmers need this bill. We have heard from the Mom and Pop and Main Street businesses who have pleaded with Congress to relieve them from the burden of unfunded mandates, to give them the opportunity to survive, grow, and create jobs and opportunity for the American people. Mr. Chairman, I support this bill and urge my colleagues to support our businesses, our workers and our consumers by passing this legislation.”