Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/801657
Occupational Illnesses and Injuries rule that took effect December 1st is likely to be rolled back once Puzder takes office. Further, OSHA increased its penalty fines by 78% in 2016, and there is a continuing provision in the budget bill that allows OSHA to update or increase the penalty amounts each year based on the cost of living. NWPCA can expect the Trump Administration to turn to Congress to reduce or possibly revoke that provision in early 2017. 4. Linda McMahon – Small Business Administration Pegged for the role as the Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator, Linda McMahon is the co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and wife of Vince McMahon, chairman and CEO of WWE. While she maintains a wealth of experience as an executive, her portfolio is a strong departure from the previous two SBA administrators. Currently, the SBA has a loan portfolio of $124 billion including its flagship 7(a) and 504 loans. McMahon's biggest challenge as SBA Administrator will likely be keeping small business top of mind in the new administration, as well as making sure small-business owners have adequate access to capital, as well as maintaining counseling, and educational/technical assistance. All present indications are that the new Administration and Congress want to hit the ground running, however, so we can expect them to move with alacrity once formally sworn in. Although it goes without saying, now is the time to remain vigilant and stay alert. PC 1 The CRA was included as part of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA), which was signed into law on March 29, 1996. 2 In this rule, OSHA will require that employers provide a reasonable reporting policy for employees to report injuries and illnesses, as well as revising the recordkeeping retaliation provisions directly impacting safety incentives and drug testing. 3 SBA's current Administrator, Maria Contreras-Sweet, is a former entrepreneur and transportation and housing secretary for the state of California. Preceding Contreras-Sweet was Karen Mills, former president of private equity firm Solera Capital, and project manager for General Foods. 28 PalletCentral • January-February 2017 palletcentral.com ADVOCACY Ashley Delgado is Director of Congressional Affairs for Lobbyit.com. She is also a licensed attorney and public relations professional. She can be reached at 202-587-2736 or visit Lobbyit.com. No matter the issue, this inflection point in government offers a relatively clean slate for shaping positions and agendas.