Is Government Holding Back Your Business? Issa Launches AmericanJobCreators.com

U.S. Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has launched www.AmericanJobCreators.com, to listen to the personal stories of America's job creators about how government impacts job creation. 

"Americans have a right to an efficient, effective government that works for them.  American job creators deserve the opportunity to succeed and grow here in the United States.  Government should deliver predictability, letting innovators deliver results," Chairman Issa says in a video launching the initiative. 

Chairman Issa believes that in order "to get our job right" both he and Committee members need to hear from small business owners. When you visit the American Jobs Creators site, you can share your personal experience and ideas for reform. "We're listening," says Chairman Issa. 

"For nearly 30 years, I've run a small business, signed the fronts of paychecks, and created jobs and opportunity for my employees," Issa concludes the video by saying.  "We're applying my lessons learned - and the experience of Congressional Democrats, Republicans and the people we serve - to find a balanced approach to Washington's role in the lives of American job creators today, and in the future. We're looking forward to hearing from you, too."

MAPPS encourages you to share your experiences.

Action Alert: Comment to FTC

Below is an email sent to the MAPPS membership today. MAPPS encourages ALL geospatial professionals to submit comments to the FTC.

There is a serious threat to the livelihood of every private geospatial firm.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed "privacy" rules that, if adopted, would make it difficult if not impossible for many geospatial services and data products to be in commerce.

The FTC proposes that prior to any for-profit business engages in the collection, sharing or use of "precise geolocation data", the company must obtain the prior approval of every citizen whose address is included. Moreover, the rule does not define "precise geolocation data".

The proposed rules are open for public comment through February 18.

MAPPS has prepared "talking points" to help with your comments.

Here's how to submit comments.

We also created a MAPPS Blog with considerable background information. Read below for further background.

We urge EVERY firm in MAPPS to submit comments. I cannot stress how important it is for your voice to be heard. There IS strength in numbers.

MAPPS has already submitted comments. Additional voices from your firm and your employees will be very helpful and influential.

If you and your firm already provided the FTC with your opinion, thank you.  If not, please submit a comment today.

Sincerely,

John M. Palatiello
MAPPS Executive Director