Rep. Baxter offered the following concurrent  resolution:

            House Concurrent Resolution No. 19.

            A concurrent resolution to express opposition to any new or revised administrative rules that are more stringent than federal policies and that impede economic development and job creation.

            Whereas, The economic challenges facing Michigan serve to illustrate the fact that policymakers in this state can never rest in their efforts to foster economic development and create job opportunities.  Although states across the country are coping with financial difficulties and American jobs are threatened in many sectors of the economy, the fact remains that Michigan is especially vulnerable and has absorbed an inordinate portion of the nation's job losses over the past few years; and

            Whereas, A key area where state policies can impact the development of the economy and job creation is the administrative process.  The promulgation of rules by executive branch departments, although intended to provide necessary standards and to increase public health and safety, can sometimes impede progress and stifle interest that companies may have to locate or expand in our state; and

            Whereas, Over the years, there have been many examples of administrative regulations that have hindered, rather than helped, the cause of creating jobs and promoting economic activity.  This has been clearly illustrated recently in discussions at the federal and state levels on the establishment of ergonomic standards.  Although the federal government no longer requires the states to set ergonomic standards, proposals have been under way in Michigan in spite of the fact that mandating ergonomic standards would put many job providers at a competitive disadvantage; and

            Whereas, It is imperative that every regulation be developed in the real-world context of our state's competition for economic development and jobs.  For this reason, Michigan's standards should not be more stringent than those of the federal government.  All sectors of society must remember that jobs and opportunities that are lost are a threat to the economic well-being and stability of Michigan; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we express opposition to any new or revised administrative rules that are more stringent than federal policies and that impede economic development and job creation; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules.

R 0251 '05