Chris Doughty’s Small Business Bill of Rights for the Commonwealth

Small businesses are the heart of the Massachusetts economy.  Over 95% of the businesses in Massachusetts are small businesses and they employ more than 46% of our workforce.  As the next Governor, Chris Doughty will use his firsthand experience to create a pro-business culture within our state government that supports and encourages small businesses and entrepreneurs.

State government should be advocates, not adversaries, for small businesses. Working with Mayor Shaunna O’Connell and reviewing what other states do, we have developed a Small Business Bill of Rights for the Commonwealth.  On day one the Doughty/Campanale administration will work to implement it.

Small Business Bill of Rights for the Commonwealth

• The right to expect accurate and timely response to all information requests to our state government and a commitment to work together to assist businesses in their relationship with the state government. 
• The right to a stable and predictable regulatory and record keeping environment with easily accessible information in a clear, simple and concise language. 
• The right to favorable and fair tax and fee requirements to encourage business growth and investment. 
• The right to email notices of any pending rule changes and adequate time to comply with all new changes.  
• The right to receive email nudges of upcoming compliance requirements. 
• The right to a one-stop permitting process and user-friendly website. 
• The right to a timely response to all permitting, approvals, licenses, registrations and the steady reduction in the filing of forms and levy of fees affecting business.  
• When there is a contested hearing provided by law, in the event a regulatory agency takes action against a business, the small business will have the right to expect a timely hearing. The small business will be provided a full explanation of any alleged violations.  In any hearing, there will be a presumption that the small business did not commit an alleged wrongdoing until the agency proves by a preponderance of evidence. In the event of an unfavorable decision, the business should have the right to a timely review. 
• The right to submit complaints regarding violations of these rights or any other unfair administrative acts by the state government. The right to have complaints responded to accurately, within a timely manner and to resolution. 
• The right to have adequate small business representation on boards and commissions that deal with economic and taxation policies.