Two legislators lauded for small-business work

PROVIDENCE – Two Rhode Island legislators were honored by a national business group for their support on issues affecting small business.
According to separate news releases, the National Federation of Independent Business named Sen. James C. Sheehan, D-Narragansett, a “friend of small business.” Rep. Michael J. Marcello, D-Scituate, received the group’s Rhode Island guardian award.
The association honored Sheehan for his legislation aiming to streamline the licensing process for businesses in the state. The bill allows new businesses to file concurrently for permits and licenses, reducing costs and startup time.
The bill was part of a multipiece, pro-business legislative package enacted into law this year addressing regulatory reform and work force development.
During his first term in the House, Marcello sponsored and supported several pieces of legislation designed to improve Rhode Island’s small-business climate. &#8226