(January 13, 2006) California Chamber of Commerce President Allan Zaremberg yesterday outlined the Chamber’s 2006 agenda for continued economic growth and development, highlighting what the legislature and other opinion leaders must focus on to keep California’s jobs climate on track.

“California continues to face a host of complex issues that must be resolved to ensure the state’s economy will continue to grow and prosper. These issues fall into two categories – those issues that benefit the economy and state as a whole, which addresses California’s long term needs, such as infrastructure and education,” said Zaremberg. “The other consists of those issues which have a direct impact on the ability of employers to manage their business in a cost competitive manner – such as labor law, overtime rules, taxes and litigation. In addressing these concerns, we need to find ways to reach out among all the differing perspectives and build consensus.”

Zaremberg highlighted the need to address many of the state’s most pressing problems, including our aging infrastructure system, calling reinvestment in California “essential to assuring that California has adequate transportation, energy, water and housing to support its growing population.”

“Navigating California’s already complex labor laws is a great concern to California employers,” continued Zaremberg, “which is why the Chamber is renewing our efforts to persuade lawmakers to simplify and modernize workplace rules so they are better understood by employees and employers – both of whom will also benefit if the state minimizes overly burdensome regulations and provides flexible rules to help busy families.”

“Some in the capitol have also discussed efforts to roll-back the successful overhaul of California’s workers’ compensation system. It is clear that the overhaul has worked, and employers who were suffering from skyrocketing workers’ comp costs just two years ago are now staying in California because their costs are under control,” continued Zaremberg. “The California Chamber will continue to fight any efforts to undo reforms that have reinvigorated California’s economy and helped created jobs in our state.”

A PDF version of the “Business Issues and Legislative Guide” will be available at the California Chamber of Commerce website by visiting www.calchamber.com/businessissues and clicking on the “See index to entire Business Issues and Legislative Guide” link.

Staff Contact: Christine Haddon