The California Chamber of Commerce has released its annual vote record, summarizing key votes of legislators on proposals affecting the well-being of employers and California’s small businesses, including votes on CalChamber-tagged job killer bills.
The actions by the Legislature this year were extremely disappointing, with many policies being passed that will have a detrimental impact on the health and success of small businesses. As the legislative session wrapped up, the CalChamber heard from small businesses throughout the state who voiced frustration about the failure of the Legislature to consider and respond to their concerns as proposals were being deliberated.
Regarding the legislative session, CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera observed that everyone loses when costly mandates and policies are passed.
Barrera commented, “If California employers have to deal with higher costs, more litigation exposure, and additional bureaucracy… it leaves less resources to invest in things such as clean energy, workers’ wages, benefits, and innovation. Bad policies will depress job growth and ultimately lead to less tax revenue to support education, health care, housing, and infrastructure.”
To amplify the voices of California small businesses at the State Capitol, the CalChamber has launched the Small Business Policy Center, which will focus on mobilizing the power of small businesses in grassroots advocacy.
It is more important than ever that policy makers fully understand the issues and costs small business employers are experiencing. Small businesses are key to the growth of our local communities and collectively contribute to the overall success of our state’s economy.
Alongside its current advocacy efforts, the CalChamber’s Small Business Policy Center will augment the voice of small business leaders in the State Capitol as legislation is being deliberated to make sure their concerns are specifically identified and heard.
