CalChamber in Action - California Chamber of Commerce

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CalChamber in Action
Business Issues CalChamber Reports Lobbying Bill Tracking Advocacy Resources Political Action Legal Affairs CalChamber Policy Staff	CalChamber Comments on Unemployment Insurance Fund KABC: CalChamber Policy Advocate Jason Schmelzer states that another tax on employers for the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund would hinder their ability to grow and provide jobs. (10/09/08) View video CalChamber Testifies on Unemployment Insurance CalChamber Policy Advocate Jason Schmelzer highlights the importance of considering the impact of government actions on the state's business climate in any discussions about addressing the solvency of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. (10/07/08) View video CalChamber Comments on Proposition 11 KCRA News: CalChamber President and CEO, Allan Zaremberg comments on the importance of redistricting at a Yes on Prop. 11 press conference with Governor Schwarzenegger following the Governor's signing of the State Budget. (09/23/08) View video CalChamber Comments on AB 2447 KXTV: CalChamber Vice President of Government Relations Marc Burgat cites problems with AB 2447 (Jones; D-Sacramento), a CalChamber-opposed "job killer" bill that severely limits residential and commercial development. (08/28/08) View video CalChamber Highlights Need for Comprehensive Water Bond CalChamber Vice President of Government Relations Marc Burgat testifies on the water bond proposal. (08/27/08) Listen to Audio CalChamber Comments on Sick Leave Mandate National Public Radio: CalChamber Vice President of Government Relations, Marc Burgat cites the slow economy as being a large factor in why small businesses can't afford to provide paid sick leave for all employees. (07/28/08) Listen to Audio CalChamber Comments on Heat Illness KRCR News: CalChamber Senior Labor Law Counsel Susan Kemp comments on the importance of having a prevention plan for employees who work outside in the heat. (07/22/08) View video CalChamber-Supported Disability Access Reform Bill Put on Hold CalChamber-supported SB 1608 (Corbett; D-San Leandro / Harman; R-Huntington Beach) has been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Suspense File pending a review of its fiscal impacts. CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen testified that the bill would ensure a balance to increase access for the disabled as well as limit unwarranted lawsuits on businesses. (07/16/08) View video SB 1608 CalChamber Testifies Against Government- Run Health Care Bill CalChamber Policy Advocate Marti Fisher highlights problems with SB 840, including the tax increase that would have to be imposed on employers and employees due to the multibillion-dollar revenue shortfall the bill would add to California's budget woes. (07/16/08) View video SB 840 CalChamber Comments on Proposed Tax Increase KNBC News: CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg talks about the need to assess the impact of proposals on the state's economic recovery, the one long-term solution to California's budget woes. (07/13/08) View Video CalChamber Comments on Hands-Free Cell Phone Law KGET News: CalChamber Employment Law Counsel Jessica Hawthorne explains the importance of employers having policies for employee cell phone use while working in the car. (07/1/08) View video CalChamber Testifies in Opposition to Paid Sick Leave Mandate CalChamber Vice President of Government Affairs, Marc Burgat testifies against AB 2716 (Ma; D-San Francisco), which could cost as many as 370,000 jobs across the state by requiring paid sick leave for every employee. (06/25/08) Listen to Audio AB 2716 CalChamber Opposes Bill Requiring Tracking of State Tax Liability CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen testifies in opposition to AB 1848 (Ma; D-San Francisco), which requires companies to track state tax liability and collect taxes from outside companies and independent contractors. (06/25/08) Listen to Audio AB 1848 CalChamber Testimony Supporting U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement Cites Fair, Equitable Market Access CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen testifies that the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement is about fair and equitable market access for California products abroad and will eliminate disincentives for international competitivness for California. (06/24/08) Listen to Audio AJR 55 CalChamber Comments on Paid Sick Leave Mandate KABC News: CalChamber Vice President of Government Relations, Marc Burgat, comments on the harm to small business employers that AB 2716, mandatory sick leave, could cause. (06/24/08) View Video AB 2716 CalChamber Testifies in Support of U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen cites the expansion of free trade worldwide as well as fair and equitable market access for California products as main reasons for support of SJR 29 (Ackerman; R-Tustin) in her June 23 testimony.(06/23/08) Listen to Audio CalChamber-Supported Disability Access Reform Bill Passes Assembly Judiciary Committee CalChamber-supported SB 1608 (Corbett; D-San Leandro / Harman; R-Huntington Beach) passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee on June 24, following the testimony of CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen who stated that the bill would increase accessibility for the disabled community in California.(06/24/08) View video SB 1608 CalChamber Comments on Human Trafficking Policy Bill Marc Burgat, CalChamber vice president of government relations, voices appreciation for the author working with the business community and explains why the CalChamber must continue to oppose SB 1649 (Steinberg; D-Sacramento).(06/24/08) View video SB 1649 CalChamber Argues that SB 1583 Will Lead to Confusion in Determining Independent Contractor Status CalChamber Policy Advocate Marti Fisher testifies in opposition to SB 1583 (Corbett; D-San Leandro), which makes advisors who work with businesses on determining worker status liable if an independent contractor is found to be misclassified, regardless of whether the misclassification was deliberate. (06/20/08) Listen to audio SB 1583 CalChamber Testifies Against Bill that Could Increase Workers' Comp Costs CalChamber Policy Advocate Jason Schmelzer spoke in opposition to AB 2969 (Lieber; D-San Jose) in front of the Senate Rules Committee, explaining how the bill would lead to increased workers' compensation costs by shrinking the pool of physicians available to perform medical utilization reviews.(06/12/08) View video AB 2969 CalChamber Testifies Against 'Job Killer' that Gives Incentive to Sue CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen highlights problems with SB 1113 (Migden; D-San Francisco) to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The bill greatly adds to the imbalance of frivolous lawsuits and encourages unfair settlements. (06/10/08) View video SB 1113 CalChamber Policy Advocate Cites Unintended Consequences of Corporate Directors Bill CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen argues to the Senate Judiciary Committee that the potentially unintended consequences outweigh any perceived benefit of legislation dealing with the duties of corporate directors, AB 2944 (Leno; D-San Francisco). (06/10/08) View video AB 2944 2008 Host Breakfast Speakers Outline Changes that Help Economy Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses "job killer" bills and the 2008-09 budget at the 82nd annual Sacramento Host Breakfast. (05/21/08) Read speech transcript on Governor's website Edwin A. Guiles, 2008 chair of the CalChamber, comments on the state's water, budget, education and energy systems. (05/21/08) View video 2008 Host Breakfast Read Speech Transcript Education, Water, Environment, Among Top Issues in CalChamber President's Overview at 2008 California Business Legislative Summit CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg speaks of the importance of businesses getting involved in improving their local education systems; emphasizing the state's need for a reliable water supply; and making sure California successfully implements its landmark law limiting the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. (05/20/08) View video 2008 California Business Legislative Summit CalChamber Testifies in Support of Bipartisan ADA Proposal CalChamber-supported SB 1608 (Corbett; D-San Leandro / Harman; R-Huntington Beach) passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 29, on a vote of 4-0, following the testimony of CalChamber policy advocate Kyla Christoffersen. SB 1608 is a comprehensive reform that increases public access for individuals with disabilities while reducing unwarranted litigation. (04/29/08) View video SB 1608 CalChamber's Marti Fisher Testifies in Support of Health Saving Accounts CalChamber-supported AB 2292 (Garrick; R-Solana Beach) entitles individuals to a state tax deduction for contributions to a health savings account in conformity with federal tax law. It was placed on the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Suspense File on April 28, pending a review of its fiscal impact. (04/28/08) Listen to audio AB 2292 CalChamber Opposes AB 2279, Medical Marijuana Mandate Despite testimony from a CalChamber policy advocate that amendments to AB 2279, the medical marijuana mandate, could make it more difficult for employers to assure a safe workplace, the bill passed out of the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee on a party-line vote of 6-2 on Thursday, April 17. (04/17/08) Read story View video AB 2279 CalChamber Testifies Against Costly Appeals Process for Employers CalChamber opposed AB 1988 (Swanson; D-Oakland), which presumes employers cited for workplace safety violations are guilty until proven otherwise, passed out of the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee on a party-line vote of 6-2 on Thursday April 17. (04/17/08) Read story View video AB 1988 CalChamber's Marti Fisher Testifies in Opposition to Paid Sick Leave Mandate CalChamber Policy Advocate Marti Fisher testified in front of the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee in oppostion of Sick Leave Mandate bill AB 2716. (04/09/08) View video AB 2716 CalChamber Supports Alternative Workweek Options for Small Business CalChamber grassroots advocates testify in front of the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee in support of the flexible scheduling bill. (04/09/08) View video AB 2127 CalChamber's Kyla Christoffersen Argues for Legal Reform Bills CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen argues in support of legal reform bills AB 1891 and AB 1905, aimed at improving California's legal climate, before the Assembly Judiciary Committee. (03/25/08) View video AB 1891 View video AB 1905 Office Betting Pools: CalChamber Explains Illegalities KCRA News: CalChamber Employment Law Counsel Jessica Hawthorne explains the illegalities of office betting pools. (03/13/08) View video CalChamber Comments on the Indian Gaming Initiatives KOVR News: CalChamber President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Zaremberg comments on the importance of keeping the gaming dollars in California. (02/05/08) View video CalChamber Comments on State of the State Address KNBC News: CalChamber President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Zaremberg comments on the Governor's proposed budget cuts in the State of the State Address. (01/08/08) View video CalChamber Comments on Mail-In Rebates Fox News: CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen says consumers can choose whether to seek mail-in rebates. (10/09/07) View video 2007 Host Breakfast Speakers Emphasize Strong Economy in Speech to Business Community Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger highlighted cooperative efforts that have produced positive results for California and its economic future at the 81st annual Sacramento Host Breakfast. (05/22/07) Read speech transcript on Governor's website Russell Gould, 2007 chair of the CalChamber, commented that the CalChamber's presence is "built on principles, not on politics." (05/22/07) View video 2007 Host Breakfast Read Speech Transcript Reasons to Oppose Health Care Tax on Small Business Jeanne Cain, CalChamber executive vice president, policy, explains to the Assembly Health Committee reasons to oppose the health care tax in AB 8 (Núñez; D-Los Angeles). A similar tax is proposed in CalChamber-opposed SB 48 (Perata; D-Oakland). (04/24/07) View Video California Needs Water Storage Funding Dominic DiMare, CalChamber vice president of government relations, emphasizes the need to support SB 59 (Cogdill; R-Modesto) to provide funding for water storage. (04/24/07) View Video 2006 Host Breakfast Speakers Emphasize Working Together for Strong Economy Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger highlights the need for reforms to rebuild California at the 80th annual Golden State Breakfast. (04/25/06) Read speech transcript on Governor's website Donna F. Tuttle, 2006 chair of the CalChamber, says consensus doesn't mean giving up on dreams. (04/25/06) View Video (10 minutes) Read Speech Transcript Health Care Mandate Bill Will Hurt California Economy Press Briefing: CalChamber Senior Vice President Jeanne Cain and other business leaders explain why a pending health care mandate bill, SB 1414 (Migden; D-San Francisco), will hurt the state's economy while doing nothing to increase access to health care. (03/28/06) Listen to audio CalChamber President Comments on Special Election Fox News: CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg Comments on Special Election (06/14/05) View Video 2005 Golden State Breakfast Speeches Highlight Reforms, Jobs Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger highlights the need for reforms to rebuild California at the 79th annual Golden State Breakfast. (05/25/05) View Video (19 minutes) Eugene J. Voiland, 2005 chair of the CalChamber, says a job is the economic foundation upon which California prosperity is built. (05/25/05) View Video (10 minutes) Read Speech Transcript 2004 Host Breakfast Speeches Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger makes a surprise appearance at the annual breakfast. (05/04/04) View Video Part 1 (6 minutes) Read Transcript of Entire Speech View Video Part 2 (4 minutes) View Video Part 3 ( 4 minutes) CalChamber Chair John Koeberer highlights tourism industry impact on California economy. (05/04/04) View Video ( 3 minutes) Read Speech Transcript Former Governor Pete Wilson praises CalChamber, calls for restoring state's competitiveness. (05/04/04) View Video ( 3 minutes) Read Speech Transcript Arnold Schwarzenegger Addresses CalChamber Schwarzenegger discusses issues facing California businesses (9/5/03) View Q&A - Part 1 (3.5min) View Q&A - Part 2 ( 5.5 min) View Q&A - Part 3 (3 min) Workers' Compensation Action Call Charles Bacchi, CalChamber legislative advocate, highlights why businesses need to urge their legislators to support workers' compensation reform. (8/8/03) View video Comments on Jobs Climate, Business Advocacy Raymond W. Holdsworth, 2003 chair of the Chamber and president of AECOM Technology Corporation, Los Angeles, presents his thoughts on improving the jobs climate and why business needs to get involved in developing public policy at the Host Breakfast opening to the 2003 Legislative Summit. The CalChamber hosts the annual summit to give business or local chamber of commerce leaders the opportunity to meet with peers and state policy experts to focus on priority legislative issues facing California business. (5/7/03) Speech transcript Video Clips How lawmakers can reverse the state's fiscal crisis Legislators need to hear from their business constituents