Small business operators have an unprecedented opportunity in Georgia this year to influence state regulations that choke their opportunities for growth and creating new jobs.

State Rep. Christian Coom­er, R-Adairsville, said a committee created by Speaker David Ralston has started to host hearings to identify red tape in the small business arena in Georgia that can be cut out of the code to allow small businesses to be more efficient with less interference from the government.

“Why small business? Because small business hires more people than any other sector of our economy,” Coomer said.

“Everybody I know talks about how bad regulation is, how much we’d like to have less regulation in our lives and in our business,” Coomer said. “This is your opportunity.”

Coomer spoke to the Adairsville Council of the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning.

“This is a once in a long time opportunity because the entire apparatus of state government is going to be focused for the next few weeks on identifying and getting rid of red tape and small business regulations,” Coomer said.

Coomer suggested the small business operators visit the Georgia House website at www.house.ga.gov and click on Red Tape Watch, which will bring up a form that will allow them to comment about the regulatory environment. He said the special committee could ask the business owners to make their comments in person during later hearings.

“Please, please take advantage of this opportunity,” Coomer said. “Don’t let this pass you by. It’s a really great chance to get something done the right way.”