Proposals Aim to Improve Job Climate, Help California’s Economic Recovery
The California Chamber of Commerce has identified the following bills as job creators that will help improve the economy.
Click on the bill numbers below for more information and the status of the legislation.
Encourages Investments
AB 880 (V. Manuel Pérez; D-Coachella) Expedited Environmental Review
Streamlines the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) approval process for certain projects by allowing industries subject to compliance with greenhouse gas regulations under AB 32 to go through an expedited review through a focused environmental impact report. (Bill Last Amended 5/10/11) Senate Environmental Quality Committee 6/8/11; Failed deadline.
AB 893 (V. Manuel Pérez; D-Coachella) Assistance for Local Infrastructure Financing
Creates more infrastructure projects and jobs in small and rural communities by authorizing the California Infrastructure Bank to help these areas locate and negotiate financing options, including public-private partnership projects with private companies. (Bill Last Amended 5/31/11) Senate Appropriations Committee Suspense File 8/16/11; Failed Deadline.
SB 460 (Price; D-Los Angeles) Better Trade Promotion
Supports California’s international trade efforts by giving the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency more authority over trade promotion, and requires the organizing of a statewide business partnership for international trade and promotion. (Bill Last Amended 7/13/11) Assembly Appropriations Committee Suspense File 8/17/11; Failed Deadline.
SJR 4 (Harman; R-Huntington Beach) U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement
Asks Congress to approve the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, which would lower tariffs and increase trade between the two countries. Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee hearing cancelled 7/6/11.
Increased Construction Jobs
SB 475 (Wright; D-Inglewood) Infrastructure Financing
Creates private sector construction-related jobs and investment in infrastructure by providing local governments more flexibility and authority to use public-private partnerships. (Bill Last Amended 6/20/11) Assembly Local Government Committee 6/29/11; Failed Deadline.