5Q: Erik Godwin

 / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
/ PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

1What exactly does the Office of Regulatory Reform do?

The Office of Regulatory Reform is working to make Rhode Island a better place to do business and grow jobs. We are focused on improving the regulatory climate to attract new businesses to the state and encourage existing companies to grow and expand. First, we act as the governor’s regulatory oversight unit, evaluating the balance of societal benefit and regulatory cost for each executive-branch regulation. Second, we are charged with analyzing current regulations to reduce existing regulatory burdens on business and the public. Finally, the office acts as a resource for other parts of the government, providing economic, statistical and financial analysis.

2Your appointment came at the end of January, what have you been up to?

The first few months have been busy. A key initiative is implementing Gov. [Gina M.] Raimondo’s executive order to improve Rhode Island’s regulatory climate to create opportunity. This order requires us to review executive-branch regulations and ensure that it balances effective protections for public health, safety, welfare and the environment with whether or not they impose unnecessary costs and burdens on municipalities and businesses.

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3Prior to your appointment, your position sat vacant for a year. What effect has the gap in leadership had on the office?

The former director, Leslie Taito, selected an excellent team that continues to fulfill the office’s mission. Some of the most serious regulatory impediments facing small businesses had been identified and now we are continuing to offer solutions, and are starting to track outcomes.

4 How successful has the office been in creating a less-onerous regulatory process for businesses?

While the office has laid the groundwork through team building and analysis, the bulk of the potential improvements remain in front of us. We need to continue to proactively identify and restructure those regulations that pose the greatest barriers to business, implement systems that keep similar barriers from reappearing in the future and where needed, work toward legislative solutions to streamline statutes and regulations.

5In what ways has your office connected with the business community?

The business community has been tremendous. To make significant strides in reducing regulatory burden, we must identify problem areas, and address them with viable solutions. •

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