(July 30, 2003) Yesterday the “Pink Slip Express” stopped at the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce to spotlight pending “job killer” legislation, and how California’s anti-business climate is affecting Bakersfield.
The “Pink Slip Express” is a moving van representing jobs leaving California as a result of anti-business proposals adopted by the California State Legislature. Yesterday’s event followed the Coalition for California Jobs’ (CCJ) annual release of its “job killer” bill list on the steps of the State Capitol in June and Pink Slip Express visits to Los Angeles and Long Beach.
“There are dozens of reasons businesses locate in California — a skilled and diverse workforce, world class cities and universities, and a great quality of life, among others,” said Allan Zaremberg, California Chamber of Commerce president. “But the assault being waged against California businesses by the state Legislature is forcing businesses and jobs out of our state. We must stop the “job killer” bills in this legislative session, and enact proposals to stimulate our economy — like a significant overhaul of our broken workers’ compensation system — or businesses will continue to look elsewhere.”
Local business owners highlighted the effects that legislative policies being enacted in Sacramento are having on Bakersfield’s jobs climate.
“Over the past three years, our workers’ compensation premiums have gone from $9,000 to $24,000 a year,” said Bakersfield business owner Monique Rogers of ARRC Technology. “If the Legislature doesn’t work to fix the workers’ compensation system and stimulate our economy, we will be forced to cut our costs either by raising our prices, laying off workers, or simply closing our doors.”
“The increasing costs of doing business in California are forcing businesses to cut jobs, downsize or simply relocate or expand to other states,” said Chris Frank, Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce President. “Workers’ comp costs are skyrocketing, unemployment insurance taxes are expected to go through the roof and businesses are faced with other onerous mandates unique to California — the assault on California businesses must stop.”
The 2003 “job killer” list is the longest and most damaging to employers and employees in CCJ’s history. CCJ is calling upon legislators to ask themselves one question when considering legislation: “Does this bill put jobs first?” If it does not, the bill must be rejected. Through its Jobs 1st effort, CCJ intends to hold legislators accountable for their anti-job votes and will educate local constituents about anti-job activity by their state legislators.
The coalition’s list of “job killer” bills includes oppressive taxes and fees, new burdensome regulations, expensive health care mandates, proposals that increase unnecessary litigation, and heavy-handed labor/employment proposals. All these bills represent additional new costs to employers which they can no longer absorb and which may force them to reduce their workforce, move out of state, or go out of business completely.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the best social program is a job,” continued Zaremberg. “The best way to end poverty in California is to create job opportunities for all Californians. However, the current legislative session has produced more “job killer” bills than ever before — with major taxes, fees and onerous mandates being considered that would further harm the California economy.”
The “Pink Slip Express” will be traveling to other legislative districts throughout California in the near future to highlight the steps our Legislature must take to start stimulating California’s economy.
Staff Contact: Sara Lee