Senator Rob Kane (R-32) has been appointed as a member of a regional regulatory fairness board charged with offering independent advice and recommendations regarding the federal government’s relationship with small businesses.

Senator Kane will serve as a member of the Region 1 Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board, one of 10 such regional boards that meet at least once annually to advise the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of the National Ombudsman. Board members focus on issues relating to government agencies’ enforcement activities. Furthermore, board members report to the National Ombudsman about any substantiated instances of excessive enforcement actions against small businesses, and offer their findings and recommendations about enforcement policies and practices. Also, board members comment on the National Ombudsman’s annual report to Congress before it is published. Congress created the Office of the National Ombudsman and the 10 Regulatory Fairness Boards in 1996 as part of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA).

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with other small business leaders on government regulatory enforcement issues that are important to all of us. The U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes the important role that small businesses play in our economy, and in creating jobs. Serving on this region’s Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board is a way for me to use my experience as a small business owner to contribute to the greater good,” said Senator Kane.

Senator Kane is the founder and president of KarTele Cellular Phones in Waterbury. Previously, he chaired the Wolcott Street/Lakewood Road Business Association, served as president of the Professional Network Organization (Profnet), and served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Kane serves on the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee.