(July 12, 2011) Legislation that will increase state exports and produce jobs by creating a new framework for marketing trade with California passed the Assembly Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy Committee last week.
The California Chamber of Commerce supports SB 460 (Price; D-Los Angeles), which 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.
Marketing California
(From Left) CalChamber Policy Advocate Thomas Vu testifies before the Assembly Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy Committee with the bill’s author, Senator Curren Price (D-Los Angeles).Since the demise of the Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency, California has lacked a fully funded state program dedicated to promoting trade and the jobs that come with it.
SB 460 will set the stage to explore options to prevent missed opportunities to promote trade.
One success story is the Tourism and Travel Commission, which spends its own funds outside of the legislative charter it has been given, and successfully markets a California brand to the world.
Such a model could potentially be built around trade.
International Trade
More than 40% of the total containerized cargo entering the United States arrives at California ports and nearly 30% of the nation’s exports flow through the state’s ports, according to the California Marine and Intermodal Transportation System Advisory Council.
Port activities employ more than 500,000 people in California, with international trade and investment activity supporting one in every seven jobs in the state.
In addition, port activities generate an estimated $7 billion in state and local taxes annually.
The CalChamber supports SB 460 as a way to work with the state to improve the competitiveness of California’s ports of entry (land, sea and air) and create jobs.
Key Votes
SB 460 passed the Assembly Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy Committee on a vote of 5-1 on July 6.
Ayes: Beall (D-San Jose), Block (D-San Diego), Hueso (D-Logan Heights), Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga), M Pérez (D-Coachella).
Noes: Grove (R-Bakersfield).
Staff Contact: Susanne Stirling