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July 23 ,
2010
Statement on the Governor’s Attempt to Include Pension
Reform in State Budget Negotiations
Roger Ziemer, Chair of the Southwest California
Legislative Council released the following statement
today regarding Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s attempt
to include pension reform in state budget negotiations:
"The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC)
fully endorses the need for pension reform in
California. We applaud the Governor’s attempt to curtail
the rising costs to our state from out of control
pension guarantees. The current system continues to
burden the state’s budget and reforms are needed in
order to bring California into a better situation when
balancing the budget. The state’s economy continues to
suffer while pensions costs continue to rise without
taking into account the economic climate of our state."
June 1, 2010
Southwest California Legislative Council Takes Action on
June 8 Statewide Ballot Measures
The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) has
reviewed and issued positions for the June 2010
statewide election. The following statewide Propositions
are only the beginning of what is expected to be a busy
election year with many more Propositions expected in
November. The SWCLC will continue to be diligent in
reviewing each Proposition and the impact each may have
on the Southwest California business community.
Proposition 13: Seismic Retrofitting
SWCLC Position: SUPPORT
Proposition 13 would prohibit tax assessors from
re-evaluating new construction for property tax purposes
when the new construction is consider earthquake safety
improvements. Tax assessors would only be allowed to
re-evaluate for property tax purposes after the building
has been sold.
The SWCLC believes this would be a benefit to owners of
existing structures that have complied with earthquake
retrofitting laws. Proposition 13 would also ensure
equal treatment of property owners who incorporate the
seismic safety improvements.
Proposition 14: Elections: Open Primaries
SWCLC Position: NEUTRAL
Proposition 14 would require that candidates run in a
single primary open to all registered voters, with the
top two vote-getters meeting in a runoff. This system
would take place in the 2012 elections. This Proposition
would not affect Presidential and political party
leadership positions.
The SWCLC chose a “Neutral” position due to the belief
that more research needs to be done on the Open Primary
System. Voters in 2004 defeated a similar Proposition,
however other states have similar systems in place which
believe to allow candidates to take positions on issues
that they feel are right for their constituents without
fear of retribution from political parties or special
interests.
Proposition 15: California Fair Election Act
SWCLC Position: OPPOSE
This Proposition was placed on the ballot by legislation
(AB 583/Hancock). Proposition 15 would institute a pilot
program of publicly-financed elections for the office of
California Secretary of State. The publically-financed
election would be funded by taxing lobbyists, lobbying
firms and lobbyist employers. The Proposition is
currently the subject of litigation.
The SWCLC has historically opposed tax increases on any
single industry. SWCLC believes that even though
Proposition 15 is a pilot program aimed at only one
particular political office, the ultimate goal would be
to spread this effort to other political offices and
increase the taxing of the lobby industry to pay for
public-financed elections. A similar measure in Vermont
was ruled to violate the United States Constitution.
Proposition 16: Taxpayers Right To Vote Act
SWCLC Position: OPPOSE
Proposition 16 is a state constitutional amendment, if
passed, would require a two-thirds voter approval before
local governments can provide electricity service to
customers or implement a community choice electricity
program using public funds or bonds.
The SWCLC opposed Proposition 16 due to the potential of
other utility companies requiring the same for their
respective utilities and for requiring a super-majority
vote of residents that may not benefit from a community
choice electricity program. The SWCLC feels that local
control is best when deciding to enact electricity
service due to having greater control of electing local
officials and not having a mandated super-majority vote.
Proposition 17: Continuous Coverage Auto Insurance
Discount Act
SWCLC Position: SUPPORT
Proposition 17 amends Proposition 103, passed by the
voters in 1988, to authorize the use of an additional
discount on premiums for automobile insurance policies.
In particular, the act would allow an insurer to offer a
“continuous coverage” discount to new customers who have
maintained their coverage while they previously were
customers of another insurer. Continuous coverage is
defined to also include applicants who experienced up to
a 90-day lapse in coverage in the past five years for
any reason other than nonpayment of their insurance
premiums.
The SWCLC supports this effort as many other states
currently allow a discount for continuous coverage when
switching between insurance companies. SWCLC also
believes that this type of offer will lead to consumers
having access to competitive or lower rates if an
insured driver decides to change their insurance
company.
May 10, 2010
Southwest California Legislative Council Fights For
Business At State Capitol
Four area chambers of commerce met in Sacramento at the
State Capitol with three key state legislators that
represent the Southwest California region. The chambers,
through its regional business advocacy coalition, the
Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC),
discussed legislative priorities such as: state fiscal
reform and responsibility, investing in statewide
infrastructure, and job creation and retention
throughout the Southwest California region. The SWCLC
also urged legislators to continue supporting the
business community throughout the region.
"We continue to be proactive when reaching out to our
area legislators when discussing issues that impact our
business community,” stated Roger Ziemer, Chair of the
Southwest California Legislative Council. “We continue
to be very lucky to have the type of elected official
that is pro-business in Sacramento. It makes it very
easy to get our messages across to them, however, we
cannot take this for granted as we must continue to work
hard with each individual legislator,” stated Ziemer.
The SWCLC determined the following issues were of
importance to the Southwest California business
community and were discussed with Sacramento officials
throughout the day-long trip:
State Fiscal Reform and Responsibility
The SWCLC will accept and consider reform proposals for
the current California state government to help
facilitate a policy climate that encourages job-creation
and retention. This will include but not be limited to,
a State Constitutional Convention, Legislature vote
requirement for the passage of the State Budget, and the
implementation of the Citizens Redistricting Commission.
The SWCLC will support efforts to require cost benefit
analysis reports on legislation and regulations before
such policies are considered for approval. The SWCLC
will hold the State Legislature accountable to generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP) when proposing to
balance the State Budget.
SWCLC Supported Bills:
• ACA 30 (Jeffries) Lieutenant Governor: Elimination of
Office
• ACA 31 (Jeffries) Floor Sessions: Appropriate Hours
• AB 1671 (Jeffries) County Board of Supervisors:
Vacancy: Appointment
• SB 919 (Hollingsworth) State Employee Benefits
Invest In Statewide Infrastructure
The SWCLC will support efforts to increase investments
in the regional and statewide transportation
infrastructure system through the removal or revision of
regulatory barriers and effective design-build
processes. The SWCLC will work closely with the
Riverside Transportation Commission to further the
mutually supported priorities at all levels of
government. The SWCLC will work with elected officials
at all levels of government to support solutions to the
regional and statewide infrastructure proposals. The
SWCLC will continue to monitor the implementation of the
recent water and delta legislation passed by the
Legislature and signed by the Governor.
SWCLC Supported Bills:
• AB 1704 (Jeffries) Environment: CEQA: Exemption
• H.R. 4349 (Napolitano) Hoover Power Allocation Act of
2009
Job Creation and Retention
The SWCLC will promote efforts to increase job creation
and business retention throughout the Southwest
California region. The SWCLC, with the help of regional
organizations, will proactively seek solutions to
stimulate the local economy and protect Southwest
California businesses from unreasonable costs to
employers. The SWCLC will work with elected officials at
all levels of government to support solutions to job
creation and business retention challenges.
SWCLC Supported Bills and Issues:
• AB 1805 (Calderon) and SB 1010 (Correa) Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA)
• SB 1335 (Cox) Employment: Working Hours
• SB X6 5 (Hollingsworth) Sales and Use Tax Exclusion:
Trade-in Motor Vehicle
• Riverside County Workforce Development Board (WDB)
April 15, 2010
Proposed Legislation Seeks To Streamline CEQA
Regulations
The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) is
supporting proposed legislation, offered by local
Assembly Member Kevin Jeffries, which allows the
exemption of certain CEQA requirements for new
infrastructure improvements of recycled water pipelines.
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires
a lead agency to prepare an environmental impact report
(EIR) on a project that proposes to carry out or improve
an existing project that may have a significant effect
on the environment. Some of the requirements have found
to be redundant and burdensome for local agencies to
complete. This in affect wastes time and rate payer
money when most projects are considered simple enough or
existing infrastructure exists.
“This proposed piece of legislation is specifically
critical for the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water
District to install new water pipelines in a more cost
efficient way,” said Roger Ziemer, Chair of the
Southwest California Legislative Council. “All local
agencies are trying to find ways to save on costs as the
economy and California’s budget deficit try to turn
around. On behalf of the business community, we thank
the Assembly Member for introducing this legislation,”
continued Ziemer.
AB 1704 will allow local agencies, such as the Elsinore
Valley Municipal Water District to save time and money
on local water infrastructure projects. The SWCLC
continues to support ways to alleviate burdensome
regulations on business in the region.
April 1, 2010
Southwest California Legislative Council Takes Action
on June 8 Statewide Propositions!
The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) has
reviewed and issued positions for the June 2010
statewide election. The following statewide Propositions
are only the beginning of what is expected to be a busy
election year with many more Propositions expected in
November. The SWCLC will continue to be diligent in
reviewing each Proposition and the impact each may have
on the Southwest California business community.
Click here for more.
Upcoming Event: April 14, 2010
California’s Comprehensive Water Package Informational
Forum
 The
California Legislature passed a far-reaching legislative
package on water in November 2009.
In November, voters will consider a key element of the
package – an $11.14 billion water bond measure that
would provide substantial funding for water supply
reliability, surface and groundwater storage, Delta
restoration, water recycling, conservation and
groundwater protection in every region of the state.
With so many decisions on the horizon this year,
Californians need as much information as possible about
our water system and key processes under way to resolve
the state’s chronic water problems.
Plan to attend an informational forum that will discuss
the comprehensive water package, which was passed by the
legislature and signed by the Governor last year. The
event is Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at the Riverside
Municipal Auditorium in Riverside from 12:30pm to
3:30pm.
To ensure that local elected officials, opinion leaders
and the general public understand the contents of the
historic package, a series of informational forums are
being held around the state. The forums include
presentations by water experts and others well versed in
the package, and a question and answer session.
Click here
to download event information.
March 19, 2010
Support the Nostalgic and Kit Car Industry!
In 2001, a law was enacted
in California to provide for the emissions-system
certification and model-year designation for specially
constructed vehicles, including kit cars. Under that
law, vehicle owners choose whether a smog test referee
certifies the engine model year or the vehicle model
year. To determine model year, inspectors compare the
vehicle to those of the era that the vehicle most
closely resembles. If there is no close match, it is
classified as a 1960 vehicle. Only those emission
controls applicable to the model year and that can be
reasonably accommodated by the vehicle are required. The
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides a new
registration to the first 500 specially constructed
vehicles per year that meet the criteria.
AB 1740 would eliminate the requirement that these
registrations be limited to the first 500 vehicles per
year.
Click here to submit your letter.
Upcoming Event: March 19, 2010
Attend The Legislative Summit On Jobs And Regulations
In California
The Southwest California Legislative Council Invites You
To The Legislative Summit on Jobs and Regulations in
California
March 19, 2010
9 a.m. to Noon
County of Riverside Administration Building
4080 Lemon Street, Riverside
Hosted by Assembly Member Kevin Jeffries (R-Lake
Elsinore), along with Assembly Members Bill Emmerson
(R-Rancho Cucamonga), Jeff Miller (R-Corona) and Brian
Nestande (R-Riverside), the Legislative Summit will
consist of local employers and business leaders telling
their stories about how regulatory and environmental
burdens have hindered them from creating jobs in
California and make it difficult for local companies to
compete against other states, as well as globally.
Chair of the Southwest California Legislative Council,
Roger Ziemer, has been included in the Summit.
This is a public meeting and all are welcome to come
observe the discussion.
Click here to download more information on this event.
March 8, 2010
Proposed Legislation Would Hamper Historic Water
Agreement
The Southwest California Legislative Council is
urging legislators to oppose a measure that would block
the channeling of water from the Sacramento River to
Southern California and undue the recent compromise of
the Legislature, Delta and Environmental stakeholders
and the business community from late last year.
“AB 1594 represents a serious threat to the future water
reliability for Southern California and to the emerging
plan to restore the Delta,” said Roger Ziemer, Chair of
the Southwest California Legislative Council. “We just
went through years of negotiations with all those who
depend on the Delta and water coming from northern
California. Now is not the time to mettle with the
planned process of the agreement from last year,”
continued Ziemer.
If passed, the legislation would revise a law that was
passed just last year that addressed the prevention of
water flow to other regions throughout the state.
Furthermore, the Legislature explicitly added extensive
safeguards to the agreement from last year, such as the
requirement that the current plan has to comply with the
highest environmental standard and review a variety of
water conveyance options. The Chamber believes there is
not a need for additional provisions as mandated by AB
1594.
March 1, 2010
Positions on June 2010 Ballot Measures Coming Soon!
In the coming months the Southwest California
Legislative Council will begin reviewing and taking
positions on several 2010 ballot measures, many of which
aim to impact business in one way or another.
“2010 will be another busy year of ballot measures for
our state. We will be diligent in our work as we
consider each measure and how each will impact the
Southwest California business community,” said Roger
Ziemer, Chair of the Southwest California Legislative
Council.
Proposition 13: Property Tax: New Construction
Exclusion: Seismic Retrofitting
The California Constitution generally limits ad valorem
taxes on real property to 1% of the full cash value of
that property. For purposes of this limitation, "full
cash value" is defined as the assessor's valuation of
real property as shown on the 1975-76 tax bill under
"full cash value" or, thereafter, the appraised value of
that real property when purchased, newly constructed, or
a change of ownership has occurred. This measure would
instead exclude from the definition of "newly
constructed" the portion of an existing structure that
consists of the construction or reconstruction of
seismic retrofitting components. This measure would
delete the existing exclusion for structures constructed
of unreinforced masonry bearing wall construction, and
the existing grant of authority to the Legislature to
exclude certain seismic retrofitting improvements or
improvements utilizing earthquake hazard mitigation
technologies.
Proposition 14: Elections: Open Primaries
This proposed measure mirrors the development of the
successful “open primary” election system that is in
place in Washington State. This system allows the top
two vote getters, regardless of party, to compete in the
general election and has been validated by the U.S.
Supreme Court. This measure would require the
Legislature to provide for partisan elections for
presidential candidates, political party committees, and
party central steering committees. This measure would
designate the Superintendent of Public Instruction as a
nonpartisan office. If the measure is approved by the
voters, it would become operative on January 1, 2011.
Proposition 15: Political Reform Act of 1974:
California Fair Elections Act of 2008.
This initiative was placed on the ballot by legislation
(AB 583/Hancock). AB 583 was signed by the Governor and
became effective on January 1, 2009. It requires the
California Secretary of State to place a ballot measure
on the June 8, 2010 statewide primary election ballot
which, if passed, would institute a pilot program of
publicly-financed elections for the office of California
Secretary of State. The publically-financed election
would be funded by taxing lobbyists, lobbying firms and
lobbyist employers. The measure is currently the subject
of litigation. A similar measure in Vermont was ruled to
violate the U.S. Constitution. An Arizona court has also
struck down lobbyist “fees” used to fund a public
campaign financing program.
Proposition 16: New Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for
Local Public Electricity Providers.
Initiative Constitutional Amendment. Proposition 16
would require local governments to obtain the approval
of two-thirds of the voters before providing electricity
to new customers or expanding such service to new
territories if any public funds or bonds are involved.
The measure would require the same two-thirds vote to
provide electricity through a community choice program
if any public funds or bonds are involved.
Proposition 17: Allows Auto Insurance Companies to
Base Their Prices in Part on a Driver’s History of
Insurance Coverage
Initiative Statute. This measure amends Proposition 103,
passed by the voters in 1988, to authorize the use of an
additional discount on premiums for automobile insurance
policies. In particular, the act would allow an insurer
to offer a “continuous coverage” discount to new
customers who have maintained their coverage while they
previously were customers of another insurer. Continuous
coverage is defined to also include applicants who
experienced up to a 90-day lapse in coverage in the past
five years for any reason other than nonpayment of their
insurance premiums. The continuous coverage discount
would be based on the length of time the applicant or
insured has been continuously covered. Children residing
with a parent may qualify for the discount based on
their parent’s eligibility.
February 15, 2010
Chamber Business Advocacy Coalition Opposes Job
Killer
The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) has
voiced its opposition to AB 212, which imposes new
standards and regulations on residential construction
that would make development cost-prohibitive and
ultimately result in job losses.
“We should not be including job-killing requirements on
a job-creating industry,” said Roger Ziemer, Chair of
the Southwest California Legislative Council. “We hope
the legislature sees the errors of the requirements in
AB 212 and decides against enacting this bill. We
believe the rules fail to address actual energy use,
discourages job creation, delays and discourages
development, and causes serious harm to the building
industry,” continued Ziemer.
AB 212 would require new residential construction to
utilize “zero net energy” by utilizing a combination of
energy efficiency design features and on-site or
near-site clean distributed generation, which results in
no net annual purchases from the electricity grid and
the production of sufficient electricity to offset
energy use attributed to onsite use of purchased natural
gas. The SWCLC believes in energy efficient production,
however, it has been a long standing policy of the SWCLC
to always support initiatives that show proof the
technology exists first and is affordable for the
business community.
Similar pieces of legislation to AB 212 have failed in
years past because of opposition from the business
community.
January 20, 2010
Southwest Business Community Supports Federal
Shipping Legislation
The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) has
expressed its support for two Federal pieces of
legislation that will impact the future competitiveness
and environmental soundness of the Long Beach and Los
Angeles Ports and aid in the goods movement process from
the Southwest California region.
H.R. 3446 provides for a competitive program making
grants to seaport governing bodies for the acquisition
of fuel efficient and low-emission equipment and systems
at port facilities.
H.R. 3447 would alter the funding system for the Trust
Fund by taking the spending power out of the hands of
Congress. H.R. 3447 will allow the funding to be used
entirely and without delay by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers for dredging of America’s harbors.
“H.R 3446 will further advance the effort to ensure the
movement of goods through Long Beach and Los Angeles
Ports in an environmentally friendly way while not
impacting the bottom line of our business members,”
Roger Ziemer, Chair of the Southwest California
Legislative Council. “And, most importantly, because of
the grant-making process, it enables progress without
negative financial consequence to the Ports that would
have ultimately been passed onto businesses that utilize
and depend on the Ports,” continued Ziemer.
H.R. 3446, which will be developed and administered by
the Secretary of Transportation, allows harbor
commissions and port authorities to apply for grants
that can be used to fund projects and/or the acquisition
of equipment that promote environmental, air quality,
and fuel use reduction benefits.
H.R. 3447 will revise current protocol in which funding
is subject to Congressional approval, a protocol that
has resulted in funding delays as well as the
reallocation of funds otherwise earmarked for the
dredging and maintaining of harbors and ports to
unrelated budget measures.
January 10, 2010
New Laws That May Impact Your Business
A number of legislative and regulatory changes will take
effect in 2010 that may impact the operations and
planning of local businesses.
“Keeping our members informed of the nature and timing
of these types of changes is an important part of the
SWCLC’s mission,” Roger Ziemer, Chair of the Southwest
California Legislative Council.
New Form I-9
Revised August 7, 2009, the new Form I-9 contains an
updated list of acceptable documents that employees must
present upon hiring. The new form also bears a note that
all documents presented to establish identity and/or
ability to work in the United States must not be
expired.
E-Verify Required for Federal Contractors
Federal contractors and subcontractors must use the
E-Verify system when hiring employees. Other employers
may use the verification system if they wish to do so.
E-Verify compares Form I-9 document information against
federal government databases to verify employment
eligibility.
Increase in State Withholding
State withholding increased on November 1, 2009. There
is a 10 percent mandatory increase on employee
withholdings, a 0.6 percent increase in supplemental
wage withholding and a 1.2 percent increase on wage
stock options and bonus payments.
Alternative Workweek Schedules
The law regarding alternative workweek schedules was
amended to permit an eight-hour day as a valid
alternative schedule.
Additionally, the Division of Labor Standards
Enforcement (DLSE) issued an opinion letter stating that
under some circumstances, an alternative workweek
schedule may be in place for less than a full year — for
example, during the summer months only.
FMLA Amendments
Federal legislation changed the definition of which
service members are covered for leave under the
"qualifying exigency" category.
For regular Armed Forces members, "covered active duty"
means duty during the deployment with the Armed Forces
to a foreign country. Reservists are covered when they
are on duty during deployment with the Armed Forces to a
foreign country or notified of an impending call to
active duty.
Civil Air Patrol Leave
Employers with more than 15 employees are subject to a
new leave for employees who are volunteer members of the
Civil Air Patrol.
Minimum Wage for Exempt Computer Professionals and
Licensed Physicians
Rates for exempt computer professionals and licensed
physicians do not change for 2010. The current rates for
these professions are: Computer Professionals:
$37.94/hour, $6,587.50/month, $79,050/year
Licensed Physicians:
$69.13/hour
Safety
AB 1083 (John A. Perez; D-Los Angeles) adds requirements
to the Health and Safety Code requiring all licensed
hospitals to annually conduct a safety and security
assessment.
SB 188 (Runner; R-Lancaster) amends the Code of Civil
Procedure to permit post-secondary educational
institutions to seek temporary restraining orders and an
injunction on behalf of a student or students. This
requires written consent of the student(s).
Out-of-State Marriages
California recognizes out-of-state marriages as legal in
California if they are legal in the state where the
marriage occurred. SB 54 (Leno; D-San
Francisco) provides a same-sex couple's marriage, valid
in the state in which it was contracted, will receive
the same rights in California as spouses, with the
exception of the designation of "marriage."
Workers' Compensation Cannot Be Denied
Workers' compensation cannot be denied because an
employee was killed by a third party in the course of
the employee's work, no personal relationship existed
between them and the injury/death was because of third
party's personal belief relating to the employee's race,
religion, color, national origin, age, gender,
disability, sex or sexual orientation.
December 9, 2009
Regional Business Community Releases Annual Vote Record
Holding Elected Officials Accountable
The Temecula Valley, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore Valley and
Wildomar Chambers of Commerce tracked 26 potential new
state laws in 2009 that might have an impact on the
regional business community. The Chambers, through
their regional business advocacy coalition, the
Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC),
discussed and took a position of support or opposition
on each potential new law and communicated those
positions with state legislators throughout 2009. The
SWCLC focused its efforts on some of the most
controversial issues impacting business such as water
and restrictive government regulations on business.
Click here for more.
November 30, 2009
Southwest California
Business Community Mourns Loss of Local Business Leader
Dennis Frank, Past Chairman of the Southwest California
Legislative Council released the following statement
today in response to the recent passing of Scott Crane,
a founding Board Member of the Southwest California
Legislative Council:
"We were all saddened to hear that Scott
Crane, a founding Board Member of the Southwest
California Legislative Council, passed away last Friday.
Scott was an important leader in our region and a
tireless advocate for our regional business community.
Scott’s knowledge of the healthcare industry and his
constant efforts to improve the affordability and access
to quality healthcare will serve as his legacy outside
of his highly regarded professional responsibilities.
Scott will be missed."
Below is the Visitation, Rosary and Funeral Information
Visitation and Rosary
Thursday at 6:00 pm, December 3, 2009
Evans-Brown Mortuary
27010 Encanto Dr.
Sun City, CA 92585
Funeral
Friday at 10:00 am, December 4, 2009
St Martha Catholic Church
37200 Whitewood Rd.
Murrieta, CA 92563
November 10, 2009
Southwest California Legislative Council Protects
Members from Anti-Business Legislation
The Southwest California Legislative Council of Commerce
opposed AB 793 and AB 943, two legislative proposals
that would have put businesses in the region at a
competitive disadvantage. SWCLC sent letters to area
legislators and the Governor urging their opposition to
the legislation. The Governor vetoed AB 793 and AB 943
in October.
“These were two very harmful pieces legislation that
would have hurt Southwest California businesses,” stated
Roger Ziemer, Chair of the Southwest California
Legislative Council of Commerce. “It is the belief of
the SWCLC that the state legislature needs to focus
their priorities on job creation and stimulating the
local economy,” continued Ziemer.
AB 793 would have revised the statute of limitations law
for any workplace claim or lawsuit relating to
compensation so that the statute of limitations is
renewed each time an employee’s compensation is
“affected,” including each time it is paid. AB 793 would
encompass a broad array of workplace decisions,
including hiring, job evaluations, and promotions. The
SWCLC opposed AB 793 because it unreasonably expands
employer liability in workplace lawsuits far beyond the
federal Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009.
AB 943 would have prohibited employers from using
consumer credit reports for employment purposes unless
the information is “substantially job related.” It would
have severely diminished an employer’s ability to
protect their business from the threat of employee
theft. Employee theft has been well documented as a
growing problem and the United States Chamber of
Commerce rates the annual cost to businesses at $40
billion.
November 10, 2009
Southwest California Legislative Council Supports
Legislative Water Crisis Solution
California is in its third year of a drought and
Southwest California businesses are being asked to
reduce water usage as much as possible. There are a
number of methods available to businesses to aid efforts
to conserve water. However, many conservation efforts do
carry a large price tag potential placing businesses at
a competitive disadvantage. With such a hefty price tag,
businesses are seeking other ways to mitigate its
chronic water needs.
As reasonable solution is a legislative proposal
supported by the Southwest California Legislative
Council. AB 474 will mitigate the initial outlay for any
business willing to increase their conservation efforts.
“The SWCLC is well aware of the need to cut back on
water consumption and we are open to new innovated ways
to do so,” stated Roger Ziemer, Chair of the Southwest
California Legislative Council of Commerce. “AB 474 is a
solution in the right direction in which it will give
property owners the choice of conserving, while at the
same time allowing the economical means to install
conservation minded improvements,” continued Ziemer.
The key provision of AB 474 allows commercial and
residential property owners to enter into an agreement
with public agencies (in this case, water agencies) to
receive upfront financing for the installation of
permanent water use efficiency improvements. Property
owners will then be allowed to pay an annual assessment
until all costs associated with the project are repaid
to the public agency. Assembly Bill 474 expands upon
last year’s AB 811, which authorized the use of
voluntary assessment agreements between cities, counties
and property owners for financing energy efficiency
projects.
The Governor signed AB 474 into law in October of this
year.
November 6, 2009
Take Action:
Help Stop A Rancho California Water District Job-Killing
Proposal
 A recent article in the North County Times by
Rancho California Water District Vice President John E.
Hoagland entitled “What part of ‘water crisis’ escapes
understanding?” In the article, Hoagland calls for a
proposal that would enact a building moratorium on
commercial and residential property throughout the
Rancho California Water District’s service area.
We feel this is unnecessary and will actually continue
to do more harm than good by discouraging new businesses
to locate in our region. We have asked Vice President
Hoagland to reconsider his anti-job creating proposal.
Water rationing and conservation is very important to
us. We have supported various pieces of legislation
calling for such conservation and most recently urged
the Governor and State Legislature to enact timely
solutions to California’s ongoing water crisis. A
building moratorium does nothing to fix the water
crisis. It only adds injury to insult to an already
challenged regional economic.
Please submit your letter asking for the reconsideration
of this job killing proposal at a time when job-creation
must be a top priority with our elected officials.
Click here to submit your letter!
October 9, 2009
Take Action: Urge State
Leaders To Fix Our Water Crisis
The Temecula Valley, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore Valley and
Wildomar Chambers of Commerce are urging the Governor to
call a special session of the California Legislature to
finish dealing with California’s crumbling water system.
We cannot afford to wait any longer. After decades of
inaction, California’s water system continues to
deteriorate. Now is the time to finally bring us into
the 21st century by preserving this vital hub that is
the conduit for shipping water from the north to our
region in Southern California.
California’s water system was built for a population of
18 million. It is now strained to the breaking point and
needs to be upgraded for a population of more than 36
million that is expected to reach 50 million. The
ecological considerations also are straining the system
and are being co-equally considered in legislation that
has been introduced at the end of the session.
The need to complete this task is crucial - and
lawmakers must reach consensus on funding this historic
compromise.
Click here to submit your letter today!
September 22,
2009
Southwest Businesses Support State IOU Payment Proposal
A legislative proposal would allow any state agency to
accept a registered warrant (also known as an IOU) from
any business or individual for the payment of an
outstanding state financial obligation. AB 1506 allows a
business or individual to use the IOU at full face value
to make payments to the state, such as DMV registration
and tax payments. The Southwest California Legislative
Council supports AB 1506.
Click here for more.
September
10, 2009
Southwest California Businesses Help to Shape
Pro-Business Agenda
The Southwest California Legislative Council joined
forces with the California Chamber of Commerce and other
business organizations in shaping the economic recovery
in California that will ultimately have a direct impact
on the Southwest California region. A statewide
coalition is building momentum based on several key
business principles for the recovery of the state and
local economies.
Click here for more.
September 1, 2009
Chambers Oppose National Workers Compensation Commission
A federal proposal, newly introduced, looks to establish
a national commission to study state workers'
compensation laws. H.R. 635, if passed, would assemble a
14-person commission charged with, among other duties,
studying and evaluating each State’s workers'
compensation laws in order to determine if such laws
provide an adequate, prompt, and equitable system of
compensation for injury or death arising out of or in
the course of employment.
Click here for more.
August 14, 2009
Take Action: Support Assemblymember Kevin Jeffries'
Proposal To Make The Legislature More Open To The Public
ACA
8 (Jeffries) would allow the public and organizations to
comment on legislative proposals in State Legislature.
A 72 hour notice on any issue that comes before the
Legislature is a fair requirement. Other local
governments and municipalities must adhere to this
requirement as established in the Brown Act. This will
also allow for more transparency in state government and
put an end to back-room deals
More often than not, the public has little time to
submit their concerns and furthermore some state
legislators are unable to review such legislative
proposals.
This is why
we need your help. ACA 8 is stalled in committee and has
yet to receive a hearing. We need to bring notice to
this important and fair piece of legislation. Please
join us by voicing your concern to the committee chair.
Click here to take action on ACA 8
August 11, 2009
Chambers Take Action on Employee Theft Proposal
Employee theft is a growing problem. The U.S. Chamber
of Commerce rates the annual cost at $40 billion.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, this
is the fastest growing crime in the United States and
many experts estimate that it increases at a rate of 15
percent annually. AB 943 is working its way through the
Legislature that will severely diminish an employer’s
ability to protect their business from this real threat.
“For any employer the risk
created by AB 943 represents a major liability that
discourages business growth in California,” stated Roger
Ziemer, Chair of the
Southwest California Legislative Council.
“For small businesses, every little bit counts and it is
their right and responsibility to protect the business
within reason. This proposal unduly restricts the
ability of businesses to use all legally available
information in employment decisions,” continued Ziemer.
On average, businesses lose
as much as two percent of sales to employee theft. AB
943 prohibits employers from using consumer credit
reports for employment purposes unless the information
is “substantially job related,” as defined, including
positions that handle cash, other assets, or personal
information, and at least one of the following
conditions: managerial, municipal, sworn peace officer
or other law enforcement, or as otherwise required by
law. Moreover, language in AB 943 strongly mirrors
language from AB 2918 (2008) that was vetoed by Governor
Schwarzenegger.
August 8, 2009
Chambers Opposes Costly Federal Mandate
The Southwest California Legislative Council opposes a
federal legislative proposal that would mandated paid
vacation for full and part-time employees. The first of
its kind at the federal level, H.R. 2564 would be costly
to employers at a time when unemployment rates have
continued to climb as both large and small businesses
struggle in a fragile economy.
“Time and time again we have opposed state mandated paid
vacation proposals and see no other reason but to
continue to oppose this type of mandate at the federal
level,” stated stated Roger Ziemer, Chair of the
Southwest California Legislative Council. “Mandates of
any kind are not the right way to do business in
California or anywhere in the country for that matter.
We believe business needs to remain vigilant as the
legislative session moves on in order to protect jobs
and the cost of doing business in Lake Elsinore,”
continued Ziemer.
H.R. 2564, also known as the Paid Vacation Act of 2009,
comes at a time when businesses may not be able to
afford extra vacation time and would also limit the
benefits an employer may currently offer to its
employees such as bonuses.
Details of H.R. 2564:
- Full- and part-time (25 hours per week/1250 hours per
year) workers will be eligible after one year of
service.
- “Eligible employee” means an employee who has been
employed for at least 12 months by the employer with
respect to whom leave is requested and has accumulated
at least 1,250 hours of service with such employer
during such 12-month period.
- 3 years after the date of enactment of H.R. 2564
following would also be allowed:
- Eligible employee of an employer that employs 50 or
more employees at any time during a calendar year shall
be entitled to a total of 1 workweek of paid vacation
during each 12-month period.
- Eligible employees of an employer that employs 100 or
more employees shall be entitled to a total of 2
workweeks of paid vacation during each 12-month period,
beginning on that eligible employee's first anniversary
of employment.
- H.R. 2564 requires an eligible employee shall provide
the employer with not less than 30 days' notice, before
the date the paid vacation is to begin and identify the
date such paid vacation shall begin.
August 5,
2009
Chambers
Support Legislative Water Crisis Solution
California is in its third year of a drought and
Southwest California businesses are being asked to
reduce water usage as much as possible. There are a
number of methods available to businesses to aid efforts
to conserve water. However, many conservation efforts do
carry a large price tag potential placing businesses at
a competitive disadvantage. With such a hefty price tag,
businesses are seeking other ways to mitigate its
chronic water needs.
As reasonable solution is a legislative proposal
supported by the Southwest California Legislative
Council. AB 474 will mitigate the initial outlay for any
business willing to increase their conservation efforts.
“Our business community is well aware of the need to cut
back on water consumption and we are open to new
innovated ways to do so,” stated stated Roger Ziemer,
Chair of the Southwest California Legislative Council.
“AB 474 is a solution in the right direction in which it
will give property owners the choice of conserving,
while at the same time allowing the economical means to
install conservation minded improvements,” continued
Ziemer.
The key provision of AB 474 allows commercial and
residential property owners to enter into an agreement
with public agencies (in this case, water agencies) to
receive upfront financing for the installation of
permanent water use efficiency improvements. Property
owners will then be allowed to pay an annual assessment
until all costs associated with the project are repaid
to the public agency. Assembly Bill 474 expands upon
last year’s AB 811, which authorized the use of
voluntary assessment agreements between cities, counties
and property owners for financing energy efficiency
projects.
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We Thank Our
Partners:
Southwest Riverside Country Association of Realtors
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Near-Cal Corporation
Economic Development Corp of Southwest California
Elsinore Valley Municipal
Water District
The Gas Company
Abbott Vascular
The Murrieta Temecula Group
Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce
Murrieta Chamber of Commerce
Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce
Wildomar Chamber of Commerce
Southern California Edison
Loma Linda University Medical Center of Murrieta
Ace Hardware of Wildomar |
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