Ombudsman logs 1 million hits for regulatory enforcement assistance

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The U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of the National Ombudsman has recorded 1 million hits to its Web site, which offers assistance and information to small businesses with complaints about excessive regulatory enforcement. |ret||ret||tab|

"One of President Bush's top priorities is giving small-business owners a voice in the complex and confusing federal regulatory process," said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto. "It is extremely gratifying to know that the SBA, through National Ombudsman Michael Barrera and his office, has been able to reach so many small business people with this important service." |ret||ret||tab|

Launched 10 months ago, the Web site at www.sba.gov/ombudsman serves as an informational tool and a means to file complaints and concerns. The online complaint system can be accessed 24 hours a day. |ret||ret||tab|

A three-question preview page helps determine whether the Office of the National Ombudsman can help. After answering the questions, a short, two-page confidential form pops up that can be mailed, faxed or electronically delivered to the office.|ret||ret||tab|

National Ombudsman Barrera acts as a neutral liaison between small businesses and federal regulatory agencies, bringing complaints and concerns about unfair regulatory enforcement actions to the attention of high-level agency officials. Such actions may include repetitive audits or investigations, excessive and unfair fines or penalties, and threats of retaliation for complaints. |ret||ret||tab|

"Entrepreneurs cannot operate effectively in a regulatory enforcement environment of uncertainty and confusion," said Barrera. "Such an environment makes entrepreneurs spend more time sorting through complex material and less time with their customers." |ret||ret||tab|

Small business owners can also voice complaints and concerns to Barrera and his staff at Regulatory Fairness Board hearings conducted across the country. They are typically attended by representatives of federal regulatory agencies who sometimes can resolve problems on the spot. |ret||ret||tab|

Additional information about the SBA's programs for small businesses is available online at www.sba.gov.|ret||ret||tab|

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