Office of the National Ombudsman Is Available to Assist America`s Small Businesses with Federal Regulatory Enforcement Actions

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
When America`s small businesses face unfair or excessive federal regulatory
enforcement actions, the Office of the National Ombudsman at the U.S. Small
Business Administration is available to ensure fairness in the enforcement
process.

Created by Congress through the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness
Act, the Office of the National Ombudsman`s primary function is to work with
small businesses and federal agencies to ensure that regulatory or compliance
actions are handled and enforced fairly by all federal agencies. The National
Ombudsman is empowered to receive, substantiate, and report to Congress
complaints and comments from small business owners regarding regulatory
enforcement actions taken against small businesses by federal agencies.

"The National Ombudsman helps small businesses navigate the seas of federal
regulatory enforcement. With a strengthening regulatory paradigm, it is
essential that regulatory enforcement be effective, and not excessive," National
Ombudsman and Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Enforcement Fairness
Nicholas N. Owens said. "The National Ombudsman`s focus will continue to enhance
transparency for small businesses served, and strengthen the relationship
between the small business community and the government."

It is the primary mission of the Office of the National Ombudsman to assist
small businesses when they experience excessive or unfair federal regulatory
enforcement actions, such as repetitive audits or investigations, excessive
fines, penalties, threats, retaliation or other unfair enforcement action by a
federal agency.

Also, the National Ombudsman`s office works with 10 regional fairness boards
whose membership is comprised of 50 small business owners from across the
country. The ONO works closely with more than 35 federal regulatory agencies to
resolve complaints about excessive enforcement of federal regulations brought to
the attention of the National Ombudsman during hearings and roundtables held in
cities nationwide.

Additional information about the Office of the National Ombudsman is available
at www.sba.gov/ombudsman.

Release Number: 09-01

U.S. Small Business Administration
Carol Chastang, 202-205-6987
Internet Address: www.sba.gov/news

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