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United Chambers of Commerce Aug. Action Updates

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Contributed by: Lee McTaggart on 9/4/2008

ACTION UPDATE ~ August 25, 2008

~ United Chambers Encouraged By Governor's Budget Compromise
"United Chambers of Commerce is on record supporting the Governor's Budget Stabilization Act proposal as previously put forward. United Chambers has adopted no formal position regarding the new portion of the Governor's proposal which recommends a temporary sales-tax increase; and in general the business community remains skeptical of tax increases as a vehicle to solve the State's overspending problem. However, we do applaud the Governor on bringing forth new budget compromise proposals as part of a dialogue finally to resolve the budget impasse. While there are items in this compromise that none of us might like, it is imperative that our legislators seriously sit down and solve this crisis as real people and businesses are the ones who are suffering," stated Stephen T. Holzer, Chairman, United Chambers of Commerce ~ San Fernando Valley & Region .

~ United Chambers Opposes AB 437 (Jones) Statute of Limitations- Employer Pay Decisions
United Chambers fought this bill last year and it has now come up again in the legislature. The bill has been amended as to be so vague that it now can apply to any statute of limitations, not just labor and employment. Once again, United Chambers will fight against this bad bill for business to ensure its defeat.

~ United Chambers Calls on State to Lift the Ban on Offshore Drilling
Citing the real problems our state faces with the increase in oil prices and that we have to rely on other sources instead of our own, United Chambers Government Affairs Committee voted to call on the state to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling following all state and federal regulations. Discussions also centered around the fact that there are spots along our coast that have oil resources, we are one of the few states that do not have oil excise fees and that the state could be making money from possible leases.

~ United Chambers Invited to Border Governors Conference
As a guest of the Governor's, President and CEO, Debi Schultze attended the 26th Border Governors Conference which includes the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas and the Mexico states of Baja, Sonora, Chihuahua, Cahuila and Nuevo Leon. The conference had different panel sessions on issues that all states could relate to. The basis of the conference is to see how all the states can partner with each other to solve issues they all face and to share knowledge. Schultze, along with United Chambers' Board member Joe Mosca representing The Gas Co., attended sessions on water and energy, and technology. Mosca reported from the water and energy session, that " the technology for alternative energy resources is there but there needs to be incentives to have business and people want to participate and invest."

~ United Chambers Applauds the Governor for Making the Budget His Number One Priority
United Chambers of Commerce Chairman, Stephen T. Holzer issued this statement on the Governor's decision to not sign any bills until the budget is passed, "We applaud the Governor for making the budget his number one priority and hope that the Legislators will do the same and solve the budget crisis immediately!"

~ David Crane, Special Advisor to the Governor for Jobs and Economic Growth Speaks to United Chambers' Members on the Budget Stabilization Act
Speaking to a crowd of just under ninety people, David Crane, Special Advisor to the Governor for Jobs and Economic Growth explained the state's budget process. He also talked about the on-going budget negotiations with the legislature and detailed the Budget Stabilization Act. He discussed the Governor's proposal for modernizing the state lottery and setting aside a rainy day fund. Crane answered many questions and all who attended were impressed with his vast knowledge and insight. Bruce Ackerman, President and CEO for the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley who has worked with David on many occasions introduced him to the Valley crowd.

~ United Chambers Rallys Business Leaders to Support Bernard Parks for Co. Supervisor
Board Chairman Stephen Holzer is encouraging the business leaders and Chambers to get their members to support and send money to Bernard Parks campaign for County supervisor. This is a very important campaign as this seat will be the swing vote on business issues for many years to come and businesses need to show their strength. For more information visit www.ParksforSupervisor.com

~ United Chambers Weighs In On Proposed 1/2 Cent Sales Tax Increase for Transportation
Matt Raymond, Representative for the MTA informed the Board of Directors on the need for the proposed tax, what projects would be included and the issues currently being debated. AB 2321 (Feuer) the enabling bill for the initiative was also discussed. The MTA will be meeting on July 24, 2008 to decide if they will put this on the ballot for November. It would take a 2/3 vote of the people to pass the new tax. There was much discussion on the list of the projects to be funded and the fair distribution of projects throughout the County, regional projects vs local, and if this passes would anyone be able to take and use this money for anything other than transportation funding. Valley projects are included in the proposed list of projects. No formal action was taken, just feedback to the MTA Representatives for their meeting on the 24th.

~ United Chambers Opposes Prop 7 (Renewable Energy) And Joins Coalition
Proponents are proposing this proposition to increase the percent of renewable power that utilities must purchase. It would require all California utilities to generate at least half of their power from alternative energy sources by 2025. This is above the 33 percent that the Governor wants to see by 2020. Opponents say it is poorly drafted and would not achieve its goals and may in fact, hurt renewable energy development in California, raise electric bills and lead to another energy crisis. It would also put a 3% cap on consumer's bills and it was mentioned that this is what got California into an energy crisis before. Opponents are quite unique, Democrats, Republicans, labor, taxpayer groups, business, environmental, consumers, energy providers and utilities. Members discussed the unintended consequences of the initiative and the fact that something this important should not go to the ballot but would be better vetted through committees and public hearings. United Chambers voted to Oppose Prop 7 and join the coalition, Californians Against Another Costly Energy Scheme.

~ United Chambers Joins Partnership (CPAT) To Provide Healthcare Access for Treatment
In an effort to provide information and education on healthcare access, prevention and innovations in medicine, United Chambers has joined The California Partnership for Access to Treatment. They are a diverse network of healthcare and business organizations and others throughout CA. Several of our Chamber members have already joined the coalition. United Chambers will be joining them as a Co-Host for an event in October 2008 on how to control healthcare costs.

~ United Chambers Opposes AB 2716 (Ma) Mandated Paid Sick Leave
This bill essentially seeks to require every employer in California to provide employee paid sick leave. This would be for any employee who works seven or more days in any calendar year, beginning on the 90th day after the start of employment. The NFIB has concluded this legislation could cost employers as much as 4.6 billion in the first five years of implementation and could result in the loss of 370,000 jobs during the same period. United Chambers had sent a letter opposing this bill last month to the Assembly. This bill has passed the Assembly and made it to the Senate and looks like it may pass there. Board Chairman Holzer encourages all Chambers and business leaders to send letters opposing AB 2716 (Ma) to the Senate and a letter to the Governor, should the bill pass, to veto it.

~ United Chambers Joins AB 32 Implementation Coalition
Joining with over 150 other business organizations, United Chambers joined the AB 32 Implementation Coalition to make sure businesses voices are heard and that the AB 32 requirements are achieved while still maintaining competitiveness between business and protecting the interests of consumers and workers. The goals of the regulations are to reduce statewide green house gas emissions by 80% by 2050. United Chambers will look to protect businesses interests while participating in the implementation process.

~ United Chambers' Board of Directors Endorse Bernard Parks for County Supervisor
In an unprecedented move, United Chambers' Board of Directors voted to endorse Bernard Parks for Los Angeles County Supervisor, District 2. It is the first time, since opening their doors in 1977 that United Chambers has endorsed a candidate for office. "The Board of Directors felt strongly about endorsing Bernard Parks in this race," stated Stephen T. Holzer, Board Chairman. "He has demonstrated his ability to understand business issues and work with the business community which is very important to our members."

"After discussing the candidate's voting records, we felt Bernard Parks' strengths and abilities offered more to the business community," said Sean McCarthy, Governmental Affairs Co-Chairman. "His experience on the City Council and as Former Chief of Police gives him the tools to understand the issues facing the County Board of Supervisors."

United Chambers of Commerce encourages you to support Mr. Parks in the election to replace Supervisor Yvonne Burke, District 2, on November 4, 2008.

~ United Chambers Supports Governor's Budget Stabilization Act
United Chambers' Board of Directors voted to support Governor Schwarzenegger's Budget Stabilization Act. The Budget Stabilization Act will set in place a system of checks and balances that will give our state greater fiscal stability. "The time is now and long overdue to put our state finances in order," stated Chairman of the Board, Stephen T. Holzer. "Businesses throughout California face budget strains and understand the concept of reining in expenses and saving for a rainy day. We applaud the Governor for taking action now that will provide California with stability for years to come," stated Debi Schultze, President & CEO.

~ United Chambers Supports Councilman Zine's Proposed Amendment to Special Order 40
The United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley and Region has voted to support Councilman Zine's Motion, which would bring much-needed revision to LAPD's Special Order 40 by enacting "Jamiel's Law." We applaud Councilman Zine's courage in addressing this critical matter. If enacted as a City policy, his Motion would assist our police officers by clarifying the meaning of Special Order 40 and would assist the community by reducing gang activity.
We also suggested that, in addition to the proposed amendment, Special Order 40 be further revised to direct LAPD to cooperate with federal immigration officials when an undocumented alien is booked for any criminal offense. Such direction to the police would properly enhance the deportation of undocumented aliens who have illegally entered the United States.

~ Upcoming Event Information * Mark Your Calendars Now

Please Visit www.UnitedChambers.org to see a calendar of events for our Chamber Members!

* Where's the Money? 7th Annual Access to Capital Business Expo
Saturday, September 6, 2008, 8:00am to 3:00pm
The Odyssey Restaurant
15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills, CA 91344
To register call (818) 907 - 9922 or email mwatts@vedc.org

*Mini Boot Camp for Contractors
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 5:00pm-9:00pm
Presented by VEDC
Learn how to bid and win formal and informal contracts with the Los Angles Community College District.
VEDC Office
5121 Van Nuys Blvd., 3rd floor
Van Nuys, CA 91403
Cost is FREE ~ To register call Lucero at (818) 907-9922

* Fernando Awards Dinner
Celebrating 50 Years and Honoring 50 Nonprofit Organizations
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Globe Theatre

* Honor A Vet, Hire A Hero Job and Resource Fair
Presented by EDD and the Economic Alliance of the SFV
Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 10:00am to 2:00pm
Warner Center Marriott Hotel, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, 91367
For info: jscotnsf@edd.ca.gov

* The Best Places to Work in the SFV Reception Awards
Presented by The San Fernando Valley Business Journal
Wednesday, September 17, 2008. 5:30 - 7:30pm
Warner Center Marriott
For Info: www.sfvbj.com

* Armand Arabian Award Luncheon
Friday, September 25, 2008 11:30am.

* Valley Community Fair
Sunday, September 28, 2008, 1:00pm-6:00pm
Grant High School
13000 Oxnard St.
Valley Glen, CA
For more information contact:
Assemblymember Krekorian's District Service Office at (818) 240-6330

* United Chambers' 4th Annual Mayors' Luncheon
Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 11:30am - 1:30pm
Warner Center Marriott
Sponsorships Available - Call Before Sept. 3rd To Be Listed on the Invitation
Info: 818.981.4491 or DebiSchultze@UnitedChambers.org

UNITED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
33 Business Organizations ~ 21,000 Businesses Strong
"THE VOICE OF VALLEY BUSINESS"

Debi Schultze, President & CEO
United Chambers of Commerce
San Fernando Valley & Region
818.981.4491

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