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Track the Issues
> 2005 Year in Review
January 6, 2006
Temecula Valley Chamber,
Murrieta Chamber, Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber Representing
the Interests of Southwest California Businesses: 2005 Year
in Review
In January
2005, the
Temecula Valley
Chamber, Murrieta Chamber, Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber
established established a
regional partnership: the
Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC). The SWCLC
developed legislative priorities and effectively represented
the interests of business in 2005. Each of the policy goals
serve as the foundation for the three chamber’s continuing
effort to improve the regional business climate.
The three
chamber's each appoint five business leaders to serve on the
SWCLC board of directors. The SWCLC approve any positions of
"support," "oppose," or "no position" that align with the
regional partnership's yearly goals. These policy goals
assist the chamber's in prioritizing the many issues facing
the Southwest California business community.
Outlined
below are all of the 2005 priorities and their corresponding
action and accomplishments:
ADMINISTRATION
Develop
a regional advocacy program, the Southwest Legislative
Council (SWCLC), complete with mission and vision
statements, goals, operating procedures, and a long-term
strategy.
Established a 15 voting member board of directors for the
SWCLC that meets monthly to make decisions on behalf of the
coalition’s general membership; the formation of the SWCLC
ensures that action is taken and decisions are made in an
efficient and timely manner.
Created a
regional advocacy based Web site,
www.southwestcaliforniaadvocacy.biz, dedicated to
interconnecting all functions of the Council’s advocacy
program. The Web pages on the site are available to members
24 hours a day, 7 days per week. The Web site tracks and
publishes pertinent legislation that may impact the economic
vitality of the region.
Created a
public relations plan to communicate Chamber positions to
the community.
Developed
monthly regional and Chamber specific newsletter articles
presenting important actions taken on behalf of the
Council’s membership.
E-Alerts
sent to 2,500 members urging them to take action on
important issues impacting the regionally business climate.
E-Alerts are sent monthly or on an as needed basis to inform
the membership on advocacy related topics that need their
attention and provides a convenient process by which their
voice can be heard in Sacramento.
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
Review and
consider policies that ensure the Southwest California
region maintains a reputation as an attractive prosperous
location for business; to balance employment and housing
needs with natural resource preservation; and to plan and
construct the community infrastructure necessary to support
current and future business needs.
Supported
the renewal of the state’s investment in tourism marketing.
The SWCLC fought to restore the terminated funds matched by
the state. Increased funding will ensure that Southwest
California remains an attractive area for businesses and
individuals to reside and for visitors to vacation.
Supported
the designation of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Ben Clark
Training Center as the Southern California Regional Training
Center for the U.S. Homeland Security Administration. The
establishment of a regional training center would stimulate
the economy by creating a number of jobs in the region and
attracts new residents to the area.
Monitor land
use, planning, housing and zoning issues that affect the
Southwest California regional business community.
Supported
legislation that extends the amount of time a city or county
is given to begin construction on a grade separation project
from one year to two years. The SWCLC instigated a
successful letter writing campaign to local legislators and
to the Governor’s office on AB 453, which will aid cities
and counties seeking to improve rail crossing safety by
allowing sufficient time to obtain required environmental
reviews, contracts, bids, permits, etc. The two year
requirement reduces the risk of losing critically important
funding for grade separation projects and was signed into
law by the Governor.
Support
development projects within the Southwest California region
The SWCLC
voted to support and successfully sent letters to local
legislators and the Governor regarding legislation that
would construct a mobile home park, a community housing
project, and a stock cooperative. SB 435 limits residency in
the mobile home park to age requirements for older persons,
and only allows persons and families of moderate income to
reside in the community apartment project and stock
cooperative. The proposed law also imposes a state-mandated
local program and was approved by the Governor.
Encourage an
adequate supply of appropriate housing to meet the needs of
the Southwest California region.
The SWCLC
voted to support and sent letters to local legislators and
the Governor regarding legislation that would construct a
mobile home park, a community housing project, and a stock
cooperative. SB 435 limits residency in the mobile home park
to age requirements for older persons, and only allows
persons and families of moderate income to reside in the
community apartment project and stock cooperative. The
proposed law also imposes a state-mandated local program and
was approved by the Governor.
Opposed
and successfully initiated a letter writing campaign on SB
409. This bill fails to increase the supply of affordable
housing by adding increased complexity and delays to the
planning process. The current housing shortage is having a
negative impact on employers that are trying to attract and
retain workers in California. The proposed legislation was
not passed by the state legislature.
Review and
consider reliable, stable, and competitively priced energy
supplies for California’s businesses and consumers.
The SWCLC joined Californians
for Clean Affordable Safe Energy (Cal-CASE) to help secure
California’s energy future. The SWCLC recognizes the
importance of meeting the growing demand for clean-burning
natural gas and advocates for approval of facilities to
allow for the importation of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Increased supply of LNG will allow businesses and residents
to remain in the region; therefore, increasing Southwest
California’s economic viability and quality of life.
Review and
consider transportation improvement plans that relieve
congestion on existing freeways, streets and roads, and
ensure future mobility within the region.
The SWCLC
worked to ensure the proposed new transportation corridor
would benefit all Southwest California’s businesses and
residents. The SWCLC supported option, Corridor C, was
vetoed by the regional planning committee. The SWCLC remains
consistent as it urges the regional planning committee to
reconsider its decision with opinion articles, letters to
the editor, and presentations.
The SWCLC
supported the Governor’s decision to allocate more than $1.3
billion to the state’s transportation projects. Findings in
the study released by The Road Information Program (TRIP)
found more transportation funding is needed to improve the
state’s roads and highways. Increased funds to state and
regional projects will create new jobs and enhance the
vitality of the local economy.
Review and
consider policies that improve water quality as the result
of comprehensive approaches that will reduce contaminants
from water sources in a cost effective manner.
Voted to support the Department
of Water Resource’s (DWR) proposal to allow additional water
to be moved to its customers when safe. Wrote a letter to
the Governor to ensure he would also support the DWR’s
findings. Added water resources will bring increased
economic stability and quality of life for current and
future businesses and residents in Southwest California.
Review and
consider policies that promote safe, clean, high quality,
adequate and reliable water supplies supporting the needs of
economic growth and quality of life in Southern California.
Voted to support the Department
of Water Resource’s (DWR) proposal to allow additional water
to be moved to its customers when safe. Wrote a letter to
the Governor to ensure he would also support the DWR’s
findings. Added water resources will bring increased
economic stability and quality of life for current and
future businesses and residents in Southwest California.
TAXATION AND
GOVERNMENT FINANCE
Review and
consider reform measures that solve the state budget’s
continuing structural deficit that promotes real economic
growth and job creation
Supported the
Governor’s proposed budget reform, Proposition 76, on the
November 2005 Special Election Ballot. Although the
initiative failed to pass, the SWCLC’s e-Alerts,
advertising, opinion articles, and letters to the editor did
not go unnoticed. Proposition 76 approval would have
restructured California’s budget operations and enhanced the
economic vitality of the state and region.
Encourage
cooperation among government agencies, and work to
streamline and reduce unnecessary requirements of regulatory
agencies.
The SWCLC
supported the Governor’s decision to allocate more than $1.3
billion to the state’s transportation projects. Findings in
the study released by The Road Information Program (TRIP)
found more transportation funding is needed to improve the
state’s roads and highways. Increased funds to state and
regional projects will create new jobs and enhance the
vitality of the local economy.
Review and
consider state and local tax increases and new tax
categories affecting the regional business community
Supported
the funding of the vehicle license fee gap. The SWCLC urged
the Governor and local legislators to include $593 million
for early, partial repayment of the 2003 loan. With these
funds reimbursed, regional infrastructure projects can be
implemented to create additional jobs throughout the region.
Support and
promote when appropriate the preparation of cost/benefit
analysis ensuring economic impacts are weighed before the
imposition of regulatory statutes.
The SWCLC opposed legislation that would authorize the
south coast district to adopt a locomotive emission impact
mitigation fee to be imposed on specified railroad companies
that operate in whole or in part within the County of Los
Angeles, the County of Orange, the County of Riverside, the
County of San Bernardino. SB 459 would implement
unnecessary fees on regional businesses driving up costs and
reducing the number of available jobs.
Opposed
legislation and spearheaded letter writing to local elected
representatives that implement excessive fees on containers
processed in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. SB
760 would place the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach at a
competitive disadvantage in the goods movement arena and
harm the job environment in Southern California. The
proposed law did not pass the state legislature.
Ensure that
regulations on business are kept to a minimum and do not put
regional businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
The SWCLC opposed legislation that places onerous
administrative and economic burdens on associations by
requiring express written consent from their own members
prior to sending a fax advertisement. Despite the approval
of SB 833 by the Governor and the fact that it will throw
California out of step with the rest of the nation by
forcing our businesses to adhere to more strict and
different laws than their competitors in other states, local
legislators received numerous opposition letters produced by
the SWCLC and its membership.
Opposed and
wrote letters to local elected officials about a proposed
law that will require an arbitrary cut in gasoline demand
and lead to higher gasoline prices and fewer consumer
choices. SB 757 would place excessive cost increases on
businesses and consumers reliant on gasoline to do
business. This legislation did not pass the state
legislature.
Promote
economic development opportunities in the Southwest
California region for business retention and attraction.
Voted to
support the successful passage of the Dominican
Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA).
The agreement ensures the United States would continue to
gain access to those markets, enhance the economy, and
create jobs via increased trade opportunities.
Hosted the
annual Economic Development Committee Luncheon; Dr. John
Husing discussed Southwest California’s economy with
attending members, and answered questions about the future
of the region and relevant local issues. The dissemination
of transparent information about the status of the regional
economy and job climate is important to be made available to
all interested. Information is the driving force to create
ideas for solutions on how to improve the region’s business
environment.
Sponsored
a legislative summit focusing on how to re-establish a
successful course of action for California and its
businesses; invited state leaders to address the budget,
education, energy, insurance, and Indian gaming in
California and the region. The ability to ask questions and
to gain knowledge about the regional and state business
climate is vital for all employers and employees. Goals and
suggestions were made about how to implement a positive
change in California’s economic vitality.
Established a forum for regional business leaders to connect
with decision makers; the Connections Luncheon with local
legislators allowed for discussion of the special election
and its initiatives, transportation issues, the future of
workers’ compensation, disaster preparedness, LNG and other
energy sources, and partnerships that can be formed between
the SWCLC and local legislators. A good working
relationship with local elected legislators can lead to
improved pro-jobs legislation in California.
Pro-business Leadership
Review and
consider local, statewide, and when appropriate, federal
legislation as it pertains to the SWCLC’s policy priorities
and communicate the information to the three chamber’s
membership.
Developed
legislative priorities that allowed the SWCLC to be
proactive on issues impacting the regional business
community. By representing businesses with government,
pro-jobs legislation can be implemented and bolster the
regional economy.
Tracked
local, regional, state, and federal legislation based on the
established priorities. The SWCLC was responsive to over 30
pieces of legislation that would have impacted the region.
Background information including sample letters on each
issue were made available to all members on the Web site.
Taking action on anti- or pro-jobs legislation is the key to
strengthening the California business environment.
Recorded
and published the vote records of all local state
legislators. The records hold the local leaders accountable
to its constituents and represent the dedication of the
SWCLC to the pro-jobs community.
Took
positions and published information on the Web site about
the 2005 State Propositions. Although the measure the SWCLC
supported did not pass, support articles and letters did not
go unseen in the region and among the members. All eight
Propositions would have had a significant affect on regional
businesses and the local job market. An informed vote was
important to the region’s economy.
The SWCLC
participated in the California Chamber’s weekly legislative
conference call. Each legislative session, anti-jobs
legislators propose potential laws that prevent employers
from prospering in the California business environment. It
is vital that businesses be aware of these anti-jobs
measures and take action to prohibit their passage into law.
Continue a
working relationship with local, state and federal
representatives.
Developed
a team that traveled to Sacramento and met with the regional
legislators; the team educated the representatives on the
SWCLC’s legislative priorities and other issues important to
the Council’s membership and region. Knowledgeable about
what matters most to Southwest California, the local elected
officials can make informed decisions about what legislation
will stimulate jobs in the area.
Established a forum for regional business leaders to connect
with decision makers; the Connections Luncheon with local
legislators allowed for discussion of the special election
and its initiatives, transportation issues, the future of
workers’ compensation, disaster preparedness, LNG and other
energy sources, and partnerships that can be formed between
the SWCLC and local legislators. A good working
relationship with local elected legislators can lead to
improved pro-jobs legislation in California.
Review and
consider measures that examine the re-districting system
that determines the representation of Californians in the
State Legislature and the House of Representatives.
Supported the
Governor’s proposed redistricting reform, Proposition 77, on
the November 2005 Special Election Ballot. Although the
initiative failed to pass, the SWCLC’s e-Alerts,
advertising, Opinion articles, and letters to the editor did
not go unnoticed. Had Proposition 77 been approved, it
would have restructured California’s redistricting
operations, improved the competitiveness of statewide
elections, and ensured that elected representatives are held
accountable to their constituents.
Employee Relations
Monitor and
review alternatives to (1) any proposed state minimum wage
increases and (2) any local or state living wage ordinances.
Initiated a successful letter
writing campaign to local legislators and the Governor in
opposition to proposed minimum wage increase. Governor
Schwarzenegger vetoed the proposal. The proposed $1.00
increase to the state minimum wage would have cost
California businesses $2.08 billion per year, undo the $3.4
billion in workers’ compensation cost savings the Governor
and Legislature worked together to achieve this year, and
increase wages by approximately $40,000 per year for a
company with 20 workers.
Supported
legislation that would allow the employer to deposit wages
or advance on wages in an account in any bank, savings and
loan association, or credit union of the employee's choice
that has a place of business in this state. The SWCLC
successfully organized written letters to local elected
officials and the Governor in support of AB 1093. The bill
makes sensible changes to current payroll practices and was
signed into law by the Governor.
Supported
legislation to require by January 1, 2008, that any
governmental entity use no more than the last 4 digits of
the employee's social security number on a check, draft or
voucher when paying the employee's wages. SB 101 makes
efficient and necessary changes to payroll systems. The
SWCLC’s efforts helped the Governor sign SB 101 into law.
Consider and
review responsible health care policy proposals that
maximize free market forces, minimize mandates upon insurers
and providers, and results in increased availability of
health care coverage affordable for employers, employees and
individuals.
Instigated a
successful letter writing campaign to local legislators and
the Governor in opposition to health care coverage that does
not expand employer based health care coverage effectively.
AB 89 was vetoed by the Governor because it did not minimize
mandates placed upon the employer.
The SWCLC
opposed and spearheaded a successful operation to write
letters to local legislators and the Governor about
legislation that would negatively revise the third-party
health services claim procedures. SB 399 would allow health
care providers and hospitals who treat Medi-Cal
beneficiaries injured by a third party to file a lien and
claim in excess of the Medi-Cal reimbursement rate. The
proposed law would increase the amount attorneys may receive
on a contingency fee basis and cause an increase in
insurance premiums for all California insurance holders. The
Governor vetoed SB 399.
Monitor and
provide recommendations to the new workers’ compensation
reform measures to reduce costs to businesses. Continued
decreases in workers’ compensation premiums will improve
regional businesses’ bottom lines and allow more jobs to be
created. Also, with additional funds available and not
frozen in excessive workers’ compensation expenses,
employers can afford pay raises and more employee benefits.
Worked to
continue the decline of workers’ compensation rates. Sent
e-Alerts to the membership regarding legislation that would
thwart previous laws passed in 2003 and instigated
opposition letters from members to local legislators. These
efforts helped the Governor to veto any legislation
increasing workers’ compensation rates. Continued decreases
in workers’ compensation premiums will improve regional
businesses’ bottom lines and allow more jobs to be created.
Opposed
and established a successful letter writing movement against
excessive unemployment workers’ compensation benefits. AB
391 would have allowed an eligible locked-out worker to
receive unemployment compensation benefits when the worker
is locked out as a result of a trade dispute with the
worker’s employer. We opposed AB 391 because it is
unreasonable to provide unemployment insurance benefits to
workers out on strike and force California employers to
subsidize a strike against their own company even when the
workers were notified in advance that a lockout would occur.
AB 391 was vetoed by the Governor.
The SWCLC
opposed and initiated a letter writing campaign against
legislation that would create hasty and costly new mandates
on the recently created workers’ compensation Medical
Provider Networks (MPN) intended to provide improved care to
injured workers and deliver cost savings to employers.
Instead, SB 538 should reinforce the new Medical Provider
Networks as a means to control medical costs and improve
outcomes for injured workers. The proposed law will impede
further progress in delivering mainstream, quality, and
medical services. SB 538 failed passage in the state
legislature.
Monitor
measures that reform our state’s educational system and
encourage workforce preparation.
Supported
the Governor’s proposed education reform, Proposition 74, on
the November 2005 Special Election Ballot. Although the
initiative failed to pass, the SWCLC’s e-Alerts,
advertising, Opinion articles, and letters to the editor did
not go unnoticed. Had Proposition 74 been approved, it
would have restructured California’s teacher tenure length,
improved the quality of California’s teachers, and ensured
that teachers are held accountable to their students.
Supported
the Mount San Jacinto Community College; which serves
students in the cities of Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, and
Temecula. A prosperous and well funded education
institution can only strengthen the economic vitality of the
region. The College will produce educated workers that can
bring new and innovative ideas to the regional job force.
Established a set of guidelines for political communications
to employees; the information addressed the right ways for
employers to tell employees about how state legislation,
regulation, and ballot measures can affect them and their
company. By representing businesses with government and
being proactive, the SWCLC can empower employers and
employees to communicate their priorities to local elected
representatives.
Halt the
unwarranted and frivolous lawsuits on our businesses,
consumers, taxpayers, and communities.
Monitored
legislation that would increase the damages an employee may
obtain from an employer in a civil action lawsuit. The
SWCLC opposed AB 169 because it did not curb the crippling
effects of unwarranted and frivolous lawsuits on our
businesses, consumers, taxpayers, and communities. The
legislation was vetoed by the Governor because it would put
employers at a significant disadvantage because the awards
would encourage new litigation against California
businesses.
Opposed and lead
a letter writing operation against legislation that will
increase employment related lawsuits by establishing a broad
new private right of action permitting joint labor
management committees to sue any employer for any labor code
violation that might have occurred in the preceding four
years. AB 581 poses a significant privacy violation against
individual workers by granting joint labor management
committees free access to employees' names, work addresses
and home addresses. This proposed law would continue to
harm the business and job climate in California by
increasing the number of frivolous lawsuits on employers.
AB 581 failed passage in the state legislature. |
