CalChamber Comments on New Labor Laws for 2010
KGET: CalChamber Senior Labor Law Counsel Susan Kemp talks about new labor laws enacted in 2010 to help employers hire employees that can legally work in the United States. (12/30/09)
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CalChamber Comments on National Health Care Legislation
KCRA: CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg states that taxes and health insurance premiums will rise in order to subsidize individuals who cannot afford health care. The national health care legislative package includes a mandate for large employers to provide coverage and subsidies for smaller companies and individuals to buy insurance. (12/21/09)
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CalChamber Comments as Applications Open for New Redistricting Commission
KCRA: CalChamber Vice President of Public Affairs Rob Lapsley talks about the conflict of interest that comes into play when lawmakers are allowed to draw their own district lines. The redistricting commission will take over the task of drawing district maps. (12/15/09)
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CalChamber Comments on Personal Use of Social Networking Websites at Work
CalChamber Senior Labor Law Counsel Susan Kemp talks about the use of personal social networking websites at work and confidentiality agreements between employers and employees. (11/16/09)
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CalChamber-Led Coalition Urges Legislature to Address Questions on Net Receipts Tax
CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen summarizes business community concerns with the new net receipts tax proposed by the Commission on the 21st Century Economy at an October 8 informational hearing of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. (10/08/09)
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CalChamber President Promotes Agenda for Economic Recovery
CalChamber President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Zaremberg and business leaders urged the Legislature to focus on the economy and creating jobs as they presented a draft roadmap for change called the 'Agenda for Economic Recovery' at a press conference on the steps of the Capitol. (08/19/09)
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CalChamber President Comments on Nevada's Attempt to Poach California Businesses
KNX Radio: CalChamber President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Zaremberg says that Nevada's attempt to poach Califonia business is a sign that the Nevada economy is struggling and that the California lawmakers have done well to not raise taxes further. As the California economy stabilizes, its diversity and ties to international trade will help the recovery. (08/11/09)
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CalChamber President Comments on Recent Attempts to Lure Businesses Out of State
KCBS: CalChamber President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Zaremberg says this is not the first time other states have attempted to persuade California businesses to move operations across the stateline. (08/07/09)
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CalChamber Comments on Unemployment Insurance Fund Insolvency
KSRO: CalChamber Policy Advocate Jason Schmelzer states that the current insolvency crisis with the state's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is more of an economy-driven issue than a tax-driven issue. (06/03/09)
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CalChamber Comments on Release of 'Job Killer' List
CalChamber Vice President of Government Relations Marc Burgat cites the state of the economy and the California business environment when talking about the release of the CalChamber "job killer" list on NBC affiliate KSEE 24 in Fresno. (05/19/09)
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Grassroots Advocates Testify in Support of Flexible Work Schedules
CalChamber Policy Advocate Marti Fisher, as well as grassroots advocates Kerry Pendergast and Cynthia Schneider of the Corona Chamber of Commerce, testify in support of CalChamber-sponsored SB 187 (Benoit; R-Bermuda Dunes), allowing employees and employers to achieve greater flexibility in work schedules. (04/29/09)
View video SB 187
CalChamber Cites Effectiveness of Existing Injury/Illness Program
CalChamber Policy Advocate Marti Fisher points out that existing law requires employers to deal with heat safety concerns through injury/illness prevention programs, making CalChamber-opposed AB 838 (Swanson; D-Alameda) unnecessary. (04/22/09)
View video AB 838
CalChamber Testifies in Opposition to Changes to the WARN Act
CalChamber Policy Advocate Marti Fisher points out the low state of the economy and argues that more regulations may drive employers out of business in her testimony oppositing AB 842 (Swanson; D-Alameda). (04/22/09)
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CalChamber Testifies in Opposition to AB 226
CalChamber Policy Advocate Valerie Nera testifies against AB 226 (Ruskin; D-Redwood City), referring to the homeowners and the small businesses that are likely to face fines. (04/21/09)
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CalChamber Testifies in Opposition to AB 793
CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen testifies in opposition to AB 793 (Jones; D-Sacramento), stating that it is inappropriate to apply federal law in a blanket fashion to all California labor and employment statutes. (04/21/09)
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CalChamber Testifies in Opposition to SB 31
CalChamber Policy Advocate Amisha Patel testifies against SB 31 (Pavley; D-Agoura Hills), due to the possibility that it would increase the still-unknown administrative costs of AB 32 by expanding authority. (04/20/09)
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CalChamber Comments on Release of Job Creator List
CalChamber Vice President of Government Relations Marc Burgat comments on the release of the Chambers list of job creating bills on KXTV. (04/16/09)
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CalChamber Testifies in Opposition to Single-Payer Health Care Coverage
CalChamber Policy Advocate Marti Fisher testifies in opposition to single-payer health care coverage bill, SB 810 (Leno; D-San Francisco), stating that California should not get ahead of the Obama administration's plan to revamp the national health care system. (04/15/09)
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CalChamber Testifies in Opposition to AB 335
CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen testifies in opposition to AB 335 (Fuentes; D-Sylmar), stating that the bill overlooks the global nature of today's marketplace. California employers regularly hire out-of-state workers and Californians regularly get hired from international companies, and this bill would discourage those job opportunities, she said. (04/01/09)
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CalChamber Testifies on Health Insurance Costs
CalChamber Policy Advocate Marti Fisher testifies in opposition to two bills that will increase health insurance premiums for a majority of Californians on fixed incomes and could cause others to drop their coverage altogether, spurring more rate increases.
View video AB 119 (Jones; D-Sacramento) - March 31 testimony
View video SB 54 (Leno; D-San Francisco) - April 1 testimony
CalChamber Testifies on Time Card Disputes
CalChamber Policy Advocate Marti Fisher testifies in opposition to AB 527 (Fuentes; D-Sylmar), stating that the bill undermines employers' right to a fair hearing in time card disputes by not being able to show all their evidence. (04/01/09)
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CalChamber Testifies in Support of Class Action Certification
CalChamber Policy Advocate Kyla Christoffersen testifies in support of AB 298 (Tran; R-Garden Grove), citing studies on state legal climates and the impact that the perception of a litigious climate has on the desirability of investing in that state. (03/31/09)
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CalChamber Comments on California's Unemployment Rate
KXTV: CalChamber Vice President of Government Relations Marc Burgat cites the laws and regulations facing California businesses and the global economic downturn when discussing the state's double-digit unemployment rate. (02/27/09)
CalChamber President Comments on Economic Downturn
KCRA: CalChamber President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Zaremberg comments on how attention to employer costs can affect job growth and economic recovery. (01/13/09)
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CalChamber Comments on Halloween Costume Ethics Around the Office
KBAK: CalChamber Employment Law Counsel Jessica Hawthorne talks about avoiding workplace sexual harassment claims during Halloween. (10/28/08)
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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)
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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)
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CalChamber Comments on Proposition 11
KCRA News: CalChamber President and Chief Executive Officer 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)
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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)
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CalChamber Highlights Need for Comprehensive Water Bond
CalChamber Vice President of Government Relations Marc Burgat testifies on the water bond proposal. (08/27/08)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
Video/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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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CalChamber President Comments on Special Election
Fox News: CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg Comments on Special Election (06/14/05)
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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)
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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