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Gov. Gregoire suspends state rule making process

For Immediate Release: November 17, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed an executive order suspending and limiting the state rule making process to help small businesses and local governments as the state continues its economic recovery.

�State rules are essential to protecting the health, safety, welfare and quality of life for Washingtonians. However, in these unprecedented economic times, this action will provide businesses with stability and predictability they need to help with our state�s recovery,� Gregoire said. �The time and effort small business owners would put into meeting new requirements would be better spent in improving their bottom line, and adding new employees. This action will also allow local governments to focus their limited resources on the most critical issues in their communities.�

Gregoire stressed that small businesses are the key to our state�s economic recovery, adding that 95 percent of Washington small businesses have fewer than 50 employees. Small businesses also create two-thirds of all new jobs.

�We want businesses to create jobs,� Gregoire said. �And we want our partners in cities and counties to serve their communities as efficiently as possible. This executive order will also allow our state agencies to focus on delivering the front line services Washingtonians are depending on.�

Gregoire has directed state agencies to suspend new rule development and adoption. She also directed the Office of Financial Management to identify circumstances in which rule making may be authorized. OFM�s guidelines allow agencies to continue with rule making proceedings if the rule is required by federal or state law, required by a court order, or critically necessary to manage budget shortfalls, maintain fund solvency or for revenue generating activities. Agencies would also be allowed to move forward with rules that are necessary to protect the public from significant public health, safety and welfare risks, as well as those rules that are requested or supported by the regulated entities, local governments or businesses that it affects.

The executive order extends the suspension on rulemaking through Dec. 31st, 2011.

To read a copy of the executive order, visit: http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/Executive_Order_10-06.pdf

To read a copy of the exemptions outlined by OFM, visit: http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/20101116_memo_eo_10-06.pdf