State Rep. Joseph Pavlov this week voted for a plan to make state government more efficient and accountable by reducing excessive regulations on Michigan residents and small businesses.

Pavlov, R-Smiths Creek, co-sponsored and supported House Bill 4039, which would require state departments to eliminate two existing rules for every new one they want to implement.

“Decades of overregulation and overzealous bureaucrats piling up red tape are choking out Michigan’s small businesses,” Pavlov said. “We need to make a change to help smalls businesses set up shop in our community and to help our local businesses grow and keep putting people to work in great careers.

“The problem is legislators and bureaucrats are always quick to add new regulations, but they never get rid of outdated or unnecessary rules – even the regulations that conflict with their new rules. Sometimes a new rule is needed as industries and practices change, but we need to get government working to repeal the rules that don’t work anymore. Government should serve people and meet the needs of our community, not bury us in red tape just to look busy.”

Pavlov said the measure will help Michigan businesses, workers, and local governments by simplifying compliance and reducing unnecessary costs. House Bill 4039 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.