Action Center

Issues

Priorities

Get Involved

eALERTS!

Archives

 
2006 Mid-Year Report

November 2008 Propositions

June 2008 Propositions

February 2008 Propositions

2006 Propositions

2009 New Laws

2008 New Laws

2007 New Laws

 

 

 

Archives

 

April 16, 2010

Submit Your Letter: Urge Support Of Job Creation & Retention Program


The Enterprise Zone program has proven to be a valuable tool for businesses to receive tax credits and other incentives. Funding for this program is being threatened and we need the state Legislature to continue this program, which has helped to create new jobs, grow existing businesses and allowed California to compete with other states in attracting outside investors.

 

Submit your letter now to urge state Legislators to continue funding the Enterprise Zone program.

The Enterprise Zone program was designed to help revitalize struggling communities, bolster local economies and help the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our communities get a hand up, not a hand out. The Program provides much needed tax incentives for businesses to hire more local workers and to help prevent layoffs.

 

Click here to take action now!

 

March 11, 2010

Action Needed: Urge Congressmen Dennis Cardoza and Jim Costa To Vote Against Healthcare Legislation


A key vote on federal healthcare legislation could take place next week among members of the US House of Representatives and we need to urge our Congressmen Dennis Cardoza and Jim Costa to vote against this “job killer” bill.

 

The last time a bill was before them, they both voted in support. We can’t allow this legislation to move forward because it will increase health care costs, create new burdens on businesses, greatly increase the government’s involvement in the health sector, and raise taxes on individuals and small businesses.

 

It’s time for Congress to look for new ways to reform our healthcare system rather than saddle businesses with higher costs.

 

Click here to take action now!

 

February 17, 2010

Action Needed: Stop The Legislature From Preventing Job Creation

 

Two state issues need your attention because they will increase taxes on local businesses, hurt the overall economy and will prevent businesses in the Fresno region from creating jobs.

SB 810 Single-Payer Healthcare Coverage is proposed legislation that would create a government-run healthcare system in California. This legislation, similar to a bill introduced last year that failed to make it out of committee, would drive out competition among private insurance companies, lead to more tax increases and burden businesses with additional costs while hurting the state’s overall economy.

 

Click here to take action now!

 


Independent Contractor Withholding is a budget proposal that would require businesses to withhold 3 percent of payments to independent contractors such as builders, painters, real estate agents, attorneys and computer programmers. This proposal, which is similar to legislation vetoed by the Governor last year, will affect all companies, agencies and non-profits that do business with independent contractors by taxing them and killing jobs at a time when the state should be looking for ways to create jobs and ease some of regulations placed on businesses.

 

Click here to take action now!

 

December 21, 2009

2009 Report Cards: Fresno Chamber Holds Elected Officials Accountable

The Chamber works closely with elected officials as part of our commitment to advocate on behalf of our members, business and to promote the economic vitality of our community.

 

We monitor their positions on issues ranging from fee increases and zoning to revitalization of downtown and public safety.  And, just like we do for our State and Federal elected officials, we track the vote records of our city council members.

 

Below are the report cards for the elected officials at the local, state and federal levels of government who represent Fresno.

 

Click here to download the 2009 City Council Report Card.

 

Click here to download the 2009 State Report Card.

 

Click here to download the 2009 Federal Report Card.

 

November 13, 2009

Action Needed: Express Your Disappointment With Congressmen Costa And Cardoza's Support of Healthcare Legislation

 

Congressmen Jim Costa and Dennis Cardoza chose to support H.R. 3962, The Affordable Health Care for America Act, which does little to reform the current healthcare system and instead will increase costs for local business owners and further damage our local economy.

 

We need to let our elected representatives know how disappointed we are that they chose to support this “job killer legislation”. We need our Congressmen to vote in support of business not against it. Our representatives showed more allegiance to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi rather than their constituents back home.
 

Click to send Congressman Costa a letter.

 

Click to send Congressman Cardoza a letter.

 

November 10, 2009

Action Needed: Urge Senators Boxer And Feinstein To Oppose Healthcare Bill

 

This weekend, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, legislation aimed at reforming the healthcare system. But H.R. 3962 is not the answer we need. This legislation will increase health care costs, create new burdens on businesses, greatly increase the government’s involvement in the health sector, and raise taxes on individuals and small businesses. The Wall Street Journal recently called it “the worst bill ever.”

Unfortunately, two of our Valley Congressmen voted to support this “job killer” legislation that will harm our local economy and make it even more difficult for local business owners to survive in these tough economic times.

 

The Fresno Chamber is disappointed that Congressmen Jim Costa and Dennis Cardoza voted in favor of H.R. 3962. The Fresno Chamber commends Congressmen Devin Nunes and George Radanovich for doing the right thing and voting against this legislation.

H.R. 3962 made its way through the House we must now encourage our Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein to make the right decision and oppose the Senate version of the legislation. We need true reform of our healthcare system and this legislation is not the answer.

 

Click here to take action and submit your letter!

 

October 13, 2009

Action Needed: Urge Congress To Extend The Homebuyer Tax Credit

 

The $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit is set to expire by November 30, 2009 and we need your help urging Congress to extend the credit.

 

This tax credit has helped to improve the Valley’s housing market by allowing more people to move into the housing market.

 

Local home developers and construction companies have seen the benefits this tax credit has provided.

 

Please help the local housing market by signing a letter asking our Congressmen and Senators to extend this valuable tax credit.

 

Click here to take action and submit your letter!

 

September 21, 2009

Submit Your Letter: Urge The Governor To Continue Discussions On Water Legislation


The Legislature was on the verge of crafting important legislation to ensure a comprehensive solution to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta crisis when the legislative session came to an end. Now the only way to ensure legislation will be enacted before the end of the year is for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to call an extraordinary session of the Legislature to continue their water discussions.

 

We need the Legislature to approve a final package this year that will ensure the restoration of the Delta and include a bond to pay for new water storage projects.

 

Click here to submit your letter asking the Governor to keep the momentum going on water reform!

 

September 14, 2009

Submit Your Letter: Two Important Federal Issues Need Your Action Today!


As Congress begins the fall session, they are undertaking one of history's largest legislative agendas.
 

Consumer Finance


One issue up for debate is H.R. 3126, the Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) Act, legislation that would dramatically reshape consumer finance.

This bill, said to be a response to the financial crisis, is set to be another government takeover of American business.

While there were certainly excesses in the financial services industry that hurt many Americans, the one-size-fits-all approach to consumer finance required by this bill is the wrong answer.

 
And it's not just financial companies that will be regulated. Small business will also suffer under this bill.
 

Click here to take action on H.R. 3126.
 

Healthcare


In addition, healthcare reform continues to dominate the legislative agenda.

However, the Fresno Chamber believes the current healthcare proposals are not realistic. The current proposals will increase costs for business by punishing them with even more penalties and taxes for not providing health insurance coverage and creating a system that will force out the private sector in favor of a government-run healthcare plan.

Your voice must be heard! Let our Congressional delegation and our US Senators know that you want a healthcare solution that is affordable and provides adequate coverage.

 

Click here to take action on healthcare reform.

 

September 3, 2009

Action Needed: Two Important Issues Impacting Fresno's Local Economy

 

1. Urge Our Senators To Oppose Cap and Trade Bill

When your Senators return from summer vacation next week, health care isn't the only contentious issue they'll have to address.

They will also consider the so-called "Cap-and-Trade" bill - a deeply flawed measure that will create a new energy tax on every household in America.

The House of Representatives has already passed this bill, although very narrowly, before they recessed for the summer. We must make our voices heard as the debate now shifts to the United States Senate.

This tax will do little or nothing to actually reduce global greenhouse gases - but it will raise energy prices, balloon the EPA's bureaucracy, and threaten American jobs.

Instead of passing this deeply flawed bill, the Senate should start from scratch and focus on helping - and not destroying - American jobs and our economy, by promoting new energies and technologies.

Click here to submit your letter to Feinstein and Boxer.

2. Ease the Burden of California's Fiscal Crisis

This last summer the State Controller began issuing IOUs to pay California's bills as a result of our on-going budget crisis. Since July 2, the state has dispensed 101,930 IOUs. These IOUs total an equivalent of $389 million in vital payments that is effectively being denied to service providers, non-profit organizations, and taxpayers!

While state law requires the public to accept these registered warrants (IOUs) the state is not required to accept such securities as payment. This is a double standard that harms those hardworking taxpayers and contracted businesses caught in the middle.

AB 1506 requires the state to accept its own IOUs as payment for state taxes and fees. This is a fair allowance in order to permit citizens to make necessary payments to the state, such as DMV registration, tax payments, and school tuition.

For example, with this bill if you are a business with state contracts and you receive an IOU for $50,000 from the state, and you also owe the state $50,000 in payroll taxes, you would be able to send the IOU to the Franchise Tax Board as payment for your tax obligation.

Click here to submit your letter on AB 1506.

 

August 24, 2009

Take Action: Support Senator Chuck Poochigian's Appointment To The 5th District Court Of Appeal
 

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he is appointing former Fresno-area State Senator Chuck Poochigian to the 5th District Court of Appeal.

 

But his appointment is not a done deal and must still be confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.

 

We need your help in urging the commission to confirm Senator Chuck Poochigian, who is a long-time friend to the Fresno Chamber and the Fresno business community.
 

Click here to take action!

 

Pictured right: Fresno Chamber Government Affairs Council Chair Ruth Evans representing the Fresno business community with then State Senator Chuck Poochigian in the State Capitol.

 

August 18, 2009

Fresno Chamber Releases Position On Federal Healthcare Reforms


The United States has the world’s best health care system, but it is being priced out of reach for more and more American citizens and companies. Companies struggle to find health care plans that provide adequate coverage and are still affordable, and worry about what will come next year.
 

Click here to take action on healthcare reform.


The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes that most health care coverage is provided by employers. To make it easier for employers and their employees to afford the health care coverage they need, we support legislative action to:
 
1. Retain viable employer-sponsored health care. Employers provide voluntary health insurance to over 177 million. ERISA allows many of them the flexibility to provide uniform benefits to their employees. ERISA is the backbone of employer-provided coverage and must be preserved.
 

2. Reform the delivery system including payment and reimbursement reform to reduce costs while increasing quality and outcomes including:

 

- Implementation of comprehensive strategies to boost health information technology, wellness, prevention, disease management, and coordination of care.
 

- Create a more vibrant private health insurance market for individuals and small businesses.
 

- Hold down soaring health care costs due to the explosive growth in medical liability awards and insurance costs through specialized health courts.
 

- Encourage more Americans to purchase health insurance by enacting refundable tax credits for that purpose.
 

- Encourage more Americans to save for medical expenses tax-free by expanding Health Saving Accounts and allowing those with Flexible Spending Accounts to roll over unused balances to pay for future medical expenses.
 
The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce does not support legislative action that would:
 
1. Create a Government-run (Public) plan:  A government-run plan would be an unfair competitor, with the government acting as both a team owner and the referee. Government programs shift costs to the private sector. The Lewin Group estimates 130 million people would move from private to public insurance. This could lead to a government-controlled single-payer system.
 

2. Create Employer Mandates: Punishing employers who cannot afford to provide health insurance coverage, including requirements to pay or play, is not the answer. Employer mandates, by their nature limit flexibility and innovation - the cornerstones of American health care. 
 

3. Create Minimum Required Coverage Level:  Proposing a huge Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP)-like minimum coverage package will bankrupt employers and workers. Cadillac, gold-plated coverage like this will not appeal to the young. The minimum level of coverage should be more akin to a high-deductible health plan with coverage of preventative services.
 

4. Impose additional tax burdens individuals or businesses:  The implementation of new taxes and fees for businesses and/or individuals that cannot afford health insurance would be dramatically counterproductive.  Further, the taxation of health benefits will lead to a reduction in benefits offered by employers and will lead to higher taxes for many individuals and businesses.

October 6, 2010

Fresno Chamber Recommendations For November Ballot Initiatives

 

OPPOSE - Proposition 19

Legalizes marijuana by allowing adults to possess, cultivate or transport marijuana for personal use and allows the state to tax it.

SUPPORT - Proposition 20

Allows the 14-member state redistricting commission to set boundaries for US Congressional Districts rather than state legislators

OPPOSE - Proposition 21

Establishes an $18 annual vehicle license surcharge to help fund state parks and wildlife programs.

SUPPORT - Proposition 22

Prohibits the state from borrowing, taking or restricting the use of tax dollars from local government

SUPPORT - Proposition 23

Freezes the provisions of AB 32 until the state’s unemployment rate is 5.5% or below for four consecutive quarters

OPPOSE - Proposition 24

Stops several corporate tax breaks that are slated to go into effect in 2010 and 2012.

OPPOSE - Proposition 25

Changes the vote requirement for passing a state budget from two-thirds to a simple majority. Also requires state legislators to forfeit their pay when a budget isn’t passed on time.

SUPPORT - Proposition 26

Closes a loophole in the law that allows the Legislature to pass taxes with a simple majority vote by disguising them as “fees”.

OPPOSE - Proposition 27

Repeals the creation of the state redistricting commission for establishing state legislative district boundaries.

October 6, 2010

Fresno Chamber PAC Endorsements

 

The November election is just around the corner.

Your Fresno Chamber’s Political Action Committee is your voice and lobbyist for choosing those candidates who will fight on behalf of business.

We are already hard at work endorsing those candidates who will fight for our best interests.

Some of the candidates we’re supporting are in tough, competitive and costly races this November and need your financial help to win.

Fresno County Supervisor Phil Larson is battling to hold onto his seat representing District 1. The unions are pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into this race, hoping to unseat this sitting county supervisor who has been a strong supporter of business and agriculture.

US Senate candidate Carly Fiorina is trying to unseat incumbent Barbara Boxer. Boxer has never been a friend to the business community and counts the unions and environmental groups as some of her strongest supporters.

Gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman is spending millions of dollars of her own money to ensure state government is run more like a business by reducing employee costs and consolidating services.

Other key endorsements include:

Jeff Denham, 19th Congressional District
Tom Berryhill, state Senate 14th District
Valerie Davis, Fresno Unified School Board
Sal Quintero, Fresno City Council District 5
Assemblyman Mike Villines, California Insurance Commissioner
Linda Halderman, 29th Assembly District
Paul Dictos, Fresno County Assessor-Recorder
David Valadeo, 30th Assembly District
Abel Maldanado, California Lt. Governor
Damon Dunn, California Secretary of State
Tony Strickland, California Controller
Steve Cooley, California Attorney General

Please help the Fresno Chamber’s PAC support these and other business-friendly candidates with your financial support. Please make your donation of $100, $500, $1000 or as much as you can give to help us make a difference.

It’s easy to contribute. Simply click here or mail in your contribution with your annual dues statement. The PAC’s FPPC # is 820-784.

As always, the Chamber and Chamber PAC values your membership and support!

Sincerely,

Debbie Hunsaker, Chair, Chamber PAC

Alert-O-Lite, Inc.

 

Ray Dunn, Vice-Chair Chamber PAC

RWD Financial

 

Mark Rapin
Freedom Ford Truck Center
 

Barbara Henkel
Heald College

Al Smith
Fresno Chamber

 

Shannon Koontz-Monis

PG&E

Ruth Evans
Evans HR Group

 

Victoria Salisch

Lang, Richert & Patch

Al Solis
Sol Development Assoc, LLC

 

Ryan Jacobsen

J&L Vineyards

Rick Whitsell
Fresno First Bank

 

Scott Miller

Gazebo Gardens

Susan Ryan
Fresno County Federal Credit Union

 

Lorraine Salazar

Sal’s Mexican Restaurant

Walt Plachta
BSK & Associates

 

Stan Oken

Wonder Valley Ranch Resort

P.S. We are relying on Chamber members like you to ensure we elect those people who will fight for our local businesses so we can remain viable in our community and competitive in the global market.

September 27, 2010

Submit Your Letters Now: Help Stop Job-Killing Proposals


The Legislature has passed several job-killing bills that would be detrimental to business. Please help us urge Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to veto this legislation before it becomes law.

SB 657 (Steinberg) Requires retail sellers and manufacturers doing business in the state to develop, maintain and implement policies eradicating slavery and human trafficking from their supply chain
 

Click here to submit your letter!


SB 1304 (DeSaulnier) Eliminates the requirement that all employees exhaust their sick time before taking a leave of absence with pay to donate an organ or bone marrow
 

Click here to submit your letter!


AB 2340 (Monning) Requires employers to provide three days of unpaid bereavement leave
 

Click here to submit your letter!


SB 1231 (Corbett) Requires businesses to certify that slave labor wasn’t used in the supply chain to produce or manufacture goods
 

Click here to submit your letter!


AB 2666 (Skinner) Requires a taxpayer doing business in California to submit to the Franchise Tax Board specified information about the amount of tax credits claimed by the taxpayer and publish it on the Internet
 

Click here to submit your letter!


AB 1881 (Monning) Doubles the amount of liquidated damages that an employee is entitled to when the employer failed to pay minimum wage

 

Click here to submit your letter!

September 16, 2010

Submit Your Letters Now: Two Important Tax Issues For Job Creation


In 2003 several tax cuts, commonly referred to as the Bush tax cuts, were enacted. However, these tax cuts that so many businesses have come to rely on are set to expire by the end of this year unless Congress enacts legislation to extend these cuts. If Congress fails to act, the expiration of these tax cuts will represent the largest tax increase in American history.
 

Click here to submit your letter!


The California Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau is proposing to increase workers’ comp rates by nearly 30% effective Jan. 1, 2011. This is the third increase proposed by the bureau since the rates were last adjusted in January 2009. The proposed rate increase is currently under consideration by Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and a public hearing will be held on the issue on Sept. 28 in San Francisco.
 

Click here to submit your letter!

September 14, 2010

Submit Your Letters Now: Help Stop Job-Killing Proposals

 

The Legislature has passed several job-killing bills that would be detrimental to business. Please help us urge Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to veto this legislation before it becomes law.

AB 482 (Mendoza) Restricts the ability of employers to use credit reports when conducting background checks of prospective hires.

 

Click here to take action.

 

AB 2187 (Arambula) Potentially criminalizes legitimate wage disputes with a terminated employee that takes more than 90 days to resolve
 

Click here to take action.

 

SB 1474 (Steinberg) Designed to increase union representation of agriculture employees by undermining the current process that now guarantees, through secret-ballot elections, a fair vote on the selection of a collective bargaining representative.
 

Click here to take action.

 

SB 967 (Correa) Gives a preference to bidders on state contracts who commit that 90 percent of the work will be performed by California employees.

 

Click here to take action.

June 21, 2010

Submit Your Letters Now: Help Stop Job-Killing Proposals

 

AB 482 – Credit Reports

This legislation prohibits employers from using consumer credit reports for employment purposes unless the information is “substantially job related”. In small businesses, many employees perform a wide variety of duties that may not be part of their normal daily routine and may include access to cash, other assets, or confidential information. By restricting access to this important information, AB 482 may expose the business’ customers and employees to an increased risk.
 

Click here to submit your letter.

 

SB 810 - Single-Payer Healthcare Coverage

This legislation creates a new government run, multi-billion dollar socialized health care system built from a yet to be specified ‘premium structure.’ The bill establishes a premium commission to impose a premium for all employers, which is essentially a tax.
 

Click here to submit your letter.

 

SB 967 – Public Contracts Preference

This legislation provides bid preferences for bidders who commit that 90 percent of the work will be performed by California employees. This will reduce competition, resulting in less choice and higher prices. Another potential result of this protectionism legislation is retaliation from other states and international trade partners. This practice creates a patchwork of reciprocity and retaliation that makes it difficult for businesses to offer their goods and services in
states other than California.
 

Click here to submit your letter.

 

SB 974 – Enterprise Zones

This legislation would effectively gut the California Enterprise Zone (EZ) program hiring tax credit. SB 974 proposes to create a “career pathways” tax credit in an effort to bolster career technical education efforts in this state. However, this new tax credit is “paid for” by eliminating key provisions of California’s successful Enterprise Zone Program.

 

Click here to submit your letter.

June 14, 2010

Submit Your Letters Now: Help Stop Job-Killing Proposals

 

SB 657 – Human Trafficking
 

SB 657 would mandate that “every retail seller and manufacturer doing business in this state” develop, maintain, and implement a policy addressing the eradication of slavery and human trafficking from their supply chain. This legislation inappropriately makes California employers responsible for the actions of businesses with which they have no contractual relationship, are located in other countries, and could be engaged in activities that may best be handled on a diplomatic level.
 

Click here to submit your letter.


SB 885 – Gift Certificate Redemptions

SB 885 requires sellers of gift cards (i.e. retailers, restaurants, entertainment venues and other service providers) to give cash back to any customer who submits a gift certificate/gift card with a balance under $20. This bill will increase costs and place an additional burden cards when California already has the highest cash back requirement in the nation
 

Click here to submit your letter.


SB 1121 – Agricultural Worker Overtime

SB 1121 would treat agricultural workers the same as regular workers when it comes to overtime payment. Currently, agricultural workers may work 10 hours per day and 6 days a week, before overtime payment is required. Under this legislation, those limits would be reduced to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per work for regular pay. Hours worked beyond that would be on overtime payment.
 

Click here to submit your letter.


AB 2340 – Bereavement Leave

AB 2340 would mandate that every employer grant every employee up to three days of unpaid bereavement leave per year upon the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or domestic partner. This legislation could have unintended negative consequences for reasonable well-intentioned employers. By making a 3-day bereavement leave mandatory in every situation, AB 2340 removes flexibility employers need to balance bereavement leave requests with pressing leave requests by other employees for other reasons, such as to care for a family member who is in trouble.
 

Click here to submit your letter.


AB 2187 – Employment: Payment of Wages

AB 2187 would create a new crime subject to punishment in jail and monetary fines of a minimum of $1,000 up to $10,000 if an employer “willfully fails” to pay within 90 days all wages due to an employee who quits or is discharged. This new crime would be on top of existing civil penalties. This legislation could make into criminals employers with legitimate disputes over wage claims.

 

Click here to submit your letter.


SB 1304 – Employment Leave and Benefits

SB 1304 would mandate that private employers provide, per year, paid leave time of up to 30 days for employees donating organs and up to 5 days for employees donating bone marrow. This paid leave time would be in addition to any sick leave, vacation or other types of paid leaves that employers already provide.

 

Click here to submit your letter.

May 26, 2010

Submit Your Letters Now: Help Stop Six Job-Killing Proposals To Be Considered This Week

 

SB 928 – Product Notice
SB 928 would require a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer of designated consumer products to provide a notice that lists all substances contained in those products and post that information on a website. In essence, SB 928 creates a compliance requirement on California businesses and create an impediment to success and growth for many small businesses that are barely surviving already.
 

Click here to submit your letter.


AB 2138 – Product Management
AB 2138 would impose new and costly mandates on California’s food service industry by prohibiting a food provider, as defined, from distributing a disposable food service packaging or a single-use carryout bag to a consumer unless the packaging or bag is compostable or recyclable. AB 2138 also requires food providers to “recover” the disposable food service packaging or single-use carryout bags for composting or recycling at a rate of 25% or more.
 

Click here to submit your letter.


SB 1113 – Tax Administration: Determination
SB 1113 allows the Franchise Tax Board to sue corporate taxpayers who have won an appeal with the Board of Equalization. This bill imposes the burden of proof on the taxpayer, despite that the taxpayer would essentially be the respondent in an FTB appeal to superior court.
 

Click here to submit your letter.


AB 2230 – List Publicly Traded Companies
AB 2230 requires the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to compile a report and post on the Internet, private information regarding certain corporate taxpayers, such as the taxpayer’s taxable income, tax expenditures, and effective tax rate, along with the taxpayer’s name and address.
 

Click here to submit your letter.


AB 2171 – Tax Benefit Cost
AB 2171 requires that the cost of tax benefits be accounted for annually within the state budget. This would place limitations on tax benefits that would create uncertainty regarding long-term tax planning, erecting a barrier for businesses to locate their businesses here in California and further aggravating the employment challenges we currently face.
 

Click here to submit your letter.


AB 2666 – Reporting Transparency
AB 2666 requires the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to compile a report and post on the internet, the name and address of any taxpayer receiving a business credit, along with other private taxpayer information. The measure also requires that the report be made available to the public in a searchable database. This will make the names of the companies that receive business credits and the amount of those benefits public.

 

Click here to submit your letter.

May 21, 2010

Submit Your Letters: Oppose Four Anti-Job Creating Proposals


SB 920 – Telephone Directories
SB 920 would mandate an already offered opt-out program for customers who do not wish to receive a telephone directory. State law requires phones companies to make this information available. Currently these printed alphabetical directories are the primary source of telephone number information for consumers, especially for those over 45 years of age and those with income under $25,000 annually. This legislation could harm local telephone companies and threaten the future of membership directories published by any business.
 

Click here to take action on this proposal.


AB 2187 – Payment of Wages
AB 2187 would create a new crime subject to punishment in jail and monetary fines of a minimum of $1,000 up to $10,000 if an employer “willfully fails” to pay within 90 days all wages due to an employee who quits or is discharged. This new crime would be on top of existing civil penalties. AB 2187 could hold employers criminally responsible even if they have legitimate wage claim disputes.
 

Click here to take action on this proposal.

 

AB 2727 Applicant Information – Criminal History
AB 2727 imposes a number of confusing and subjective new standards and criteria that employers must meet and consider when making employment decisions on the basis of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions. This bill also unreasonably expands employer liability by creating a new private
right of action and criminal penalties for violating these new requirements. Current law already provides significant protections to applicants with criminal conviction records.
 

Click here to take action on this proposal.


AB 2340 – Bereavement Leave Mandate
AB 2340 mandates that every employer grant every employee up to three days of unpaid bereavement leave per year upon the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or domestic partner. The bill further prohibits any adverse action against employees for requesting and taking such leave and creates a private right of action for violations of the bill’s provisions.

 

Click here to take action on this proposal.

 

May 6, 2010

Submit Your Letters: Take Action On Three Job-Creating Proposals

 

AB 2561 – Consolidation of California Department of Energy

AB 2561 willl consolidate the state’s authority for energy policy under a New California Department of Energy (CDOE), creating greater accountability, with clear lines of leadership, responsibility and authority for the development, implementation, and coordination of the state’s energy policy. An overhaul of our state’s energy policy will allow California to implement strategic policies that will create new sources of green energy, maximize energy efficiency, and keep energy costs down for California consumers and businesses alike.
 

Click here to take action now!


AB 1771 – Expanding Small Business Opportunities

AB 1771 will create jobs by opening up new opportunities for small businesses to do business with the state, and would help promote fairness in state purchasing. This will allow small businesses to bid on state contracts that are currently awarded to a state inmate work program.
 

Click here to take action now!


AB 1804 – Employment Training Fund

AB 1804 protects and maximizes the amount of training dollars that stay in the Employment Training Fund (ETF). AB 1804 specifically eliminates the provision that allows for the diversion of ETF dollars to the Department of Social Services (DSS). As one of the State’s only discretionary economic development resources, the Employment Training Panel (ETP) has been an essential tool in addressing the staggering 12.5% unemployment rate, to create new job opportunities and most importantly to help with the retention of jobs.
 

Click here to take action now!

 

April 30, 2010

Submit Your Letter: Urge Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer To Oppose The New Federal Agency Charged With Imposing More Regulations On Businesses

 

The U.S. Senate is debating Senate bill S. 3217 which aims to reform the nation’s financial system. However, included in this legislation is the creation of a new federal agency the proposed Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection that would place new burdens on businesses that have nothing to do with the financial crisis.

 

This bureau would have the authority to regulate most financial services and products. In its current form, S. 3217 fails to achieve the meaningful financial regulatory reform necessary for vibrant capital markets that is needed to fuel long-term economic growth and job creation.
 

Click here to take action now!

 

April 29, 2010

Submit Your Letters: Take Action On Four Job-Killing Proposals


AB 1604 – Oil Tax

AB 1604 will create an oil severance tax in California. This proposal will burden Californians with higher fuel costs, increase dependence on imported oil and destroy thousands of California jobs. California consumers are facing tough times, with the worst economic recession since the 1930’s. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their jobs and their homes. This is not the time to create further burdens on families by increasing energy costs through AB 1604.

 

Click here to take action now!


AB 2492 – Property Tax Changes

AB 2492 would remove Proposition 13 protections from business property owners by imposing a “split roll” property tax that targets our state’s employers for a significant increase in property taxes and onerous new tax burdens. This is a "guilty until proven innocent" approach, requiring taxpayers to prove every three years that they did NOT undergo a change-in-ownership that would trigger reassessment. AB 2492 would also result in a tremendous paperwork and tracking burden for both companies and assessors.

 

Click here to take action now!

SB 1474 – Labor Representation for Agriculture Workers

SB 1474 would undermine the present legal guarantee for secret-ballot elections for union representation in agriculture. SB 1474 would strip California farm workers of their right to decide whether they want union representation in a secret-ballot election exclusively. It would replace private ballots with an unprotected process that will not ensure workers privacy or safeguard them from coercion. This process is nothing more than a “card check” scheme where union representatives provide employees with a card for their signature stating they want the union to be their representative.
 

Click here to take action now!


SB 1304 – Employment Leave and Benefit Changes

SB 1304 would mandate that private employers provide, per year, paid leave time of up to 30 days for employees donating organs and up to 5 days for employees donating bone marrow. This paid leave time would be in addition to any sick leave, vacation or other types of paid leaves that employers already provide.


Creating a new paid leave mandate removes flexibility employers need to balance overlapping leave requests by different employees for a variety of important reasons and can be especially challenging for small businesses with limited staff.
 

Click here to take action now!

 

April 22, 2010

Action Needed: Submit Your Letters To Oppose Three Job Killing Proposals

 

SB 967 – Public Contracts

SB 967 proposes to award companies a preference if 90 percent of the employees that “perform work on the contract” are California residents. What is considered “work on the contract”? Is an employee that performs an internal audit on the contract an employee that is working on the contract? Such ambiguity is open to interpretation and therefore subject to litigation that may negate the economic benefits to the contractor.

 

SB 967 (Correa) will limit choice and drive up prices for consumers and for the state. It will create a net loss of jobs in related industries, retaliation by our trading partners, and violates provisions of the World Trade Organization, as well as, bilateral free trade agreements.

 

Click here to take action now!

 

SB 1121 – Agricultural Worker Overtime

SB 1121 would treat agricultural workers the same as regular workers when it comes to overtime payment. Currently, agricultural workers may work 10 hours per day and 6 days a week, before overtime payment is required. Under this legislation, those limits would be reduced to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per work for regular pay. Hours worked beyond that would be on overtime payment.


Click here to take action now!

 

SB 1231 – Supply Chain Labor

SB 1231 would require entities that contract with the state to certify that slave labor was not utilized in “all raw materials in the supply chain used to produce or manufacture the goods procured.”

Additionally, the bill requires similar certification for building materials costing more than $20,000 for public works projects. Although the goals of the sponsors are well-intended, this legislation places on California employers some expectations that may be infeasible to comply with.

 

Click here to take action now!

 

April 19, 2010

Action Needed: Urge U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer To Exempt Auto Dealers From Regulations Imposed By New Federal Agency

Your local car dealers need your help to protect them from undue regulation they could be subjected to under a Senate bill to create a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, which would have the authority to regulate most financial services and products.

 

Auto dealers are already subjected to regulations by the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Trade Commission and state consumer protection agencies. An amendment being offered by Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kan) would exempt this industry from these additional regulations. Sign the attached letter urging your support for this amendment.
 

Click here to take action now!

 

February 11, 2009

Don't Get Caught Unprepared...Now Is The Time To Learn About New Employment Laws For 2009!

 

- Learn more about anticipated litigation under the new administration.

 

- What does the Employee Free Choice Act have in store for you?

 

- Also, learn how to handle layoffs in troubled economic times.

 

February 19, 2009
8:00am to 10:00am

Fresno Chamber Office

2331 Fresno Street
FREE to Chamber members

$25 for non-members
 

The Fresno Chamber's Governmental Affairs Council has been dedicated to helping promote a positive business climate while protecting business from bad legislation that makes it difficult to operate in the state of California . We're happy to report that only a few of the more than 500 proposed laws were approved in 2008. However, there are laws that are currently in place that will affect your business, and NOW is the time to be in compliance.

Please join us for this important update.


To RSVP please contact Angela Antenucci at

aanetnucci@fresnochamber.com

 

January 16, 2009

2009 New Legislators Reception

 

Please join the Fresno Chamber’s Board of Directors and Government Affairs Council in honoring the 2009 Newly Elected Officials:


Assemblymember Danny Gilmore (D-30)
City of Fresno, Mayor Ashley Swearengin
Fresno County Supervisor Debbie Poochigian (D5)
Fresno City Councilmember Andreas Borgeas (D2)
Fresno City Councilmember Lee Brand (D6)

 

Friday, January 30, 2009
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Robert Smittcamp Residence
5811 N. Forkner
Fresno, CA 93711
 

Thank you to AT&T for sponsoring the reception.

 

January 14, 2009

Event Cancelled: Governor Schwarzenegger State of the State Event in Fresno
 

Governor Schwarzenegger's State of the State event in Fresno tomorrow, January 15, 2009 is canceled. The Governor had planned to discuss the year ahead and how his administration plans to deal with issues such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, the environment, and most importantly how the economy will play a role in meeting the Governor’s vision for California.

 

January 3, 3009

New Laws in 2009

As an advocate for businesses it is our responsibility to inform our membership about new laws that will go into affect in 2009 and to make sure our members are in compliance as many of these laws will inevitably impact how you run your business in 2009.

 

Click here for more information.

 

December 30, 2008

Submit a Letter of Support on Important Employee Reforms

 

The Fresno Chamber urges you to contact Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and ask him to support flexible work schedules and clarification to the state’s meal period requirements.

Click here to submit a letter of support.

 

Flexible work schedules are important because it allows employees to deal with family matters and save on commute costs; it allows for employees to accommodate their personal needs outside of work; it reduces traffic and greenhouse gas emissions that are harmful the environment due to less workers traveling to and from work; and, it allows employers to be competitive when retaining jobs.

Also, help keep jobs in the state and by supporting efforts to clarify meal period laws. These important clarifications will save California businesses on litigation costs. California needs a solution to fix the complex, misinterpreted meal and rest period requirements.

 

 

December 29, 2008

Fresno Chamber and Governor Meet to Discuss State Budget Solutions


Last Friday, the Chamber stood with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at a press conference at Fresno State to explain how our local economy is in jeopardy because the state legislature has not been able to agree upon sensible budget reform. The Chamber is concerned that the state has suspended further financing of thousands of new public works projects because California has been unable to sell state bonds to cover the cost of the projects.

 

"Not only does this affect our construction industry, which is already suffering in the economic downturn, but the ripple effect is hurting contractors, equipment suppliers, and more importantly, it is keeping local people out of jobs," stated Al Smith, President and CEO of the Fresno Chamber.

 

In the Governor's remarks he did state that he this is devastating to our state and the Governor will be calling the legislature back into special session.

 

December 8, 2008

Fresno Chamber Releases 2008

City Council and State Legislator Vote Records

 

Each month, the Fresno Chamber's Government Affairs Council reviews and discusses the status of local and state issues impacting the Fresno business community. At the end of each year, the Fresno Chamber releases its vote record on each Fresno area state legislator and Fresno City Council member. The vote records are a score card on the Fresno Chamber's efforts to lobby local and state elected officials on the most important issues impacting our business community.

 

Click to view the 2008 Fresno City Council Vote Record

 

Click to view the 2008 State Legislator Vote Record

 

December 5, 2008

Make A Call! Fresno City Council is Trying to Eliminate Competition

 

On Tuesday, December 9, the Fresno City Council is introducing an item at their council meeting that would repeal the current ban on project labor agreements. The current ordinance has been in place since 2000 and has allowed for local businesses to compete for jobs paid for by our tax dollars.
 

We urge you to call your city council member and request a "no" vote on this proposed action!


While the repeal of this ordinance does not put a priority on PLA’s for any city projects, we believe this will only open the floodgates to forcing union labor on publicly funded projects; shutting out all competition to locally owned business.
 

Enter your information below to find your city councilmember's contact information:

House Number:*        Direction:
  
Street Name:               Suffix:
  
Clear Form

 

 

November 21, 2008

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Seeks Fresno Chamber's Solutions To Current Budget Crisis

 

At the November Chamber Government Affairs Council meeting the Fresno Chamber was honored to hear directly from the Governor about the current state budget. This was the only public meeting the Governor attended while in the Valley.

 

The Governor talked candidly about the specifics of his stimulus package and the possibility of proposing a statewide tax increase. Most importantly, the Governor took questions from the audience, giving our members the opportunity to share their concerns about our current business climate. The Chamber urged the Governor to keep meal and rest periods as well as a four day work week as a top priority for business.

 

Also in attendance included Assemblymember Michael Villines, Mayor Alan Autry, and Mayor-elect, Ashley Swearengin.

 

Click here for more information.

 

November 2008

Fresno Chamber Launches Member Testimonials On November Ballot Propositions

 

Proposition 1A: High Speed Rail Bond
Fresno Chamber Position: Support
 

 

Click here for more information.

 

Proposition 11: Voters First Act
Fresno Chamber Position: Support
 

 

Click here for more information.

 

October 20, 2008

Fresno Chamber Releases 2008 Local and Statewide Election Guides

 

The Fresno Chamber is providing its members with a voting guide for local and statewide elections on November 4, 2008. To view the guides, click on the links below:

 

Click here to download the Fresno Chamber Easy Voter Guide on Local Candidates

 

Click here to download the Fresno Chamber Easy Voter Guide on Propositions

 

Click here to download the Fresno Chamber Guide to Communicating With Employees

 

October 9, 2008

Fresno Chamber Urges Support For Political Reform

 

Mayor Alan Autry joined forces with the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, Fresno County Farm Bureau, Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and others today at Sal’s Mexican Restaurant to ask Fresno residents to join them in vote yes on Prop. 11.

“We are all here today to urge our friends and neighbors to vote yea on Prop. 11 because it will remove the fundamental conflict of interest that exists when legislators draw their won lines and will help restore accountability in Sacramento,” said Fresno Mayor Alan Autry. “As a Mayor I know firsthand how much local governments suffer when Sacramento faces a budget crisis or fails to address a crucial issue for our community. Prop. 11 will give us a tool to hold Legislator’s feet to the fire when they do not produce results on the issues we sent them to the State Capitol to address.”

Prop. 11 will take away legislator’s power to draw their own district lines and guarantee their own reelection – whether they do their jobs or not. Instead, this power will be put into the hands of voters in an open and transparent process.

“I am here as a business owner, employer and member of the National Federation of Independent Business/California to show my strong support for Proposition 11 because we need representatives in Sacramento that listen to our needs as a community,” local business owner Lorraine Salazar said. “Legislators are not effectively addressing the state’s problems that directly impact me and my employees; important issues like education and health care.”

“The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce supports Prop. 11 because it will help get California get back on the right track,” said Amy Huerta with the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. “Prop. 11 is a first good step, supported by nearly 2,000 groups and individuals, which will help us address the dysfunction in Sacramento.”

Prop. 11 was carefully crafted by the League of Women Voters of California, AARP and Common Cause and has gained the support of a broad based group of nearly 2000 good government organizations, civil rights advocates, elected leaders across California, businesses, cities, community associations and individuals.

“The Fresno County Farm Bureau supports Prop. 11 because we need change in Sacramento that will result in water and agricultural policy that will ensure the Central Valley continues to serve as the bread basket of the world. As the current system stands- nothing happens and no solutions are found,” said Teresa Plascencia of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. “Prop. 11 will help us hold legislators accountable so that they will finally have some incentive to work together to deal with the big issues.”

Eligio Nava, of the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said, “Prop. 11 will ensure that voters’ needs are put ahead of special interests and incumbent protection. In the last election, 99 percent of state legislators were reelected- at the expense of our communities. Prop. 11 will change this and I ask Californians to take a positive step toward taking control of our government back by voting yes on Prop. 11.”

“It’s time that we look at reforms that will fundamentally make government better in California,” David Schecter, Professor at Cal State Fresno said. “Prop. 11 will remove the inherent conflict of interest and will help to make politicians more accountable to the people that elected them- creating a more responsive legislature and a more engaged public.”

Prop. 11 will create a 14-person independent citizens commission to draw fair legislative districts – keeping communities, cities and counties intact. The commission will be comprised of five Democrats, five Republicans and four individuals from neither major party.

“Communities across California have been carved up into unexplainable districts to protect legislators in office- Stockton, just north of Fresno, has four assembly representatives, which divides the voices of constituents and business owners,” Dora Westerlund of the Fresno Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said. “It’s time that we restore voter confidence in Sacramento and vote yes on Prop. 11.”

For more information, please visit www.yesprop11.org

 

October 2, 2008

Fresno Chamber Releases Statement on Financial Crisis

 

Al Smith, CEO of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce released the following statement on the financial crisis:

 

The Fresno Chamber urges Congress to immediately pass the bipartisan financial rescue package to stem the financial panic.

 

Congress must not adjourn without taking action to stabilize the financial markets. Failure to approve legislation addressing the financial crisis has resulted in uncertainty and turmoil that have dramatically affected the markets, and lowered equity prices, eroding individual savings and destroying billions of dollars of household wealth.

 

Make no mistake: when the aftermath of Congressional inaction becomes clear, Americans will not tolerate those who stood by and let the calamity happen. If, on the other hand, Congress supports a plan to successfully restore the financial system and preserve the flow of credit to the economy, the American people will recognize that act of courage.

 

The Chamber urges Congress to immediately pass financial rescue legislation.

 

September 30, 2008

Fresno Chamber Political Action Committee (ChamberPAC) Announces Endorsement for Danny Gilmore for California State Assembly, District 30
 

The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (ChamberPAC) today announced its endorsement for Danny Gilmore for the California State Assembly, District 30.
 

Gilmore, a graduate of Palomar Community College as well as the Advanced, Supervisory and Management courses of the Police Officers Standard Training program, recently retired with an exemplary 31 year career with the California Highway Patrol. Gilmore’s lifelong dedication to public service, leadership in this community, and his pro-business agenda demonstrate that he is ready to lead in Sacramento.
 

“We have a responsibility and a commitment to our members and the entire business community to endorse effective, pro-business candidates at the local and State level.” said ChamberPAC Chair Victoria Salisch. “The candidates we endorse today will support the issues that create a strong business climate and lead to economic growth, improving the quality of life for all in Fresno,” said Salisch.

 

September 29, 2008

Fresno Chamber Positions On November 2008 Ballot

 

The Fresno Chamber releases its positions on issues that impact the Fresno business community appearing on the November 4, 2008 ballot.


Measure L: Fresno County Library Tax

Fresno Chamber Position: Oppose


Proposition 1A: High Speed Rail Bond

Fresno Chamber Position: Support


Proposition 2: Treatment of Farm Animals

Fresno Chamber Position: Oppose


Proposition 3: Children's Hospital Bond Act

Fresno Chamber Position: Support


Proposition 7: Renewable Energy

Fresno Chamber Position: Oppose

 

Proposition 11: Voters First Act

Fresno Chamber Position: Support

 

Click here for more information on each of the issues listed above.

 

September 11, 2008

Submit Your Letters Now!

Take Action On Important Proposals Impacting Fresno's Business Community

 

SB 1608 (Corbett)

Reducing Frivolous Litigation


SB 1608 is a bipartisan bill that addresses the important goals of increased disability access compliance and reduced unwarranted litigation. Businesses have both a vested interest and responsibility to comply with disability access laws. At the same time, California’s laws should facilitate and acknowledge the efforts of businesses who desire to comply and take steps accordingly.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 3063

Limits Employers Rights of Access Criminal History

AB 3063 adds a new prohibition on asking or using information concerning an arrest or detention that resulted in a conviction that was expunged. Further, AB 3063 limits employers rights to fully evaluate an applicant’s history when deciding to hire them because it does not allow employers to ask or use information concerning an arrest or detention that resulted in a conviction if it was expunged.
 

Click here to take action.
 

SB 1762 (Perata)

Undermining CARB on AB 32 Implementation Plans


This bill creates the California Climate Change Research and Workforce Development Institute (Institute) funded by a redirection of existing funding from the Public Interest Energy Research Program and an additional fee on electric service provided by investor-owned utilities and publicly owned utilities. (Let’s see how PG&E and consumers feel about this) The prime goal of the Institute reduce or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 2447 (Jones)

Subdivision Maps: Denial of Approval


AB 2447 mandates that a county deny, with limited exception, any development project requiring a tentative tract or parcel map if the proposed project is located within a State Responsibility Area (SRA) or a high fire severity zone.

 

Click here to take action.

 

September 8, 2008

ChamberPAC Announces Candidate Endorsements for the Fresno Unified School Board

The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (ChamberPAC) today announced its endorsements of three candidates for the Fresno Unified School Board for the 2008 November election: Manuel Nunez, Trustee #2, Natalie Clark, Trustee #5 and Janet Ryan, Trustee #6.

 

Click here for more information.

 

September 8, 2008

Submit Your Letters Now! Take Action On Important Proposals Impacting Fresno's Business Community

 

SB 1115 (Migden)

Rollback of Worker’s Compensation Reforms


SB 1115 would undermine the workers’ compensation reforms that you signed into law in 2004. One of the fundamental reforms contained in SB 899 (Poochigian – 2004) was a reaffirmation of the concept of apportionment, which holds that an employer should only be liable for the amount of permanent disability that was caused by an industrial injury or illness that occurred in the course and scope of employment. SB 1115 will undermine a vital component of SB 899 that was intended to promote balance and equity in the workers’ compensation system.
 

Click here to take action.

 

AB 437 (Jones)

Significant New Employer Liability and Damages Exposure


AB 437 would codify in the California Code of Civil Procedure a sweeping statement that the recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (2007) 127 S. Ct. 2162 should be rejected for purposes of any statutes of limitation under existing California law, including but not limited to the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). By doing so, AB 437 does far more than merely “construe and clarify” existing law. It effectively instructs courts to adopt the alternative, a statute of limitations rule that is broad and limitless, potentially allowing for decades-old lawsuits and indefinite damages amounts.
 

Click here to take action.

 

SB 1583 (Corbett)

Misclassification of Independent Contractors


SB 1583 establishes joint and several liability for individuals who advise another person to treat an individual as an independent contractor, and then the independent contractor is later found to be an employee. In essence, SB 1583 proposes to hold an “advisor,” along with the decision-maker, jointly and severally liable for misclassifying an individual as an independent contractor, if it is later determined that the individual was misclassified.

Click here to take action.

 

AB 844 (Berryhill)

Record Keeping To Stop Metal Theft


AB 844 requires junk dealers and recyclers to comply with specified recordkeeping and identification procedures, restricts cash transactions and increases penalties for violating these provisions. The recent rise in scrap metal values has made the theft and sale of these materials increasingly profitable. California’s farmers and businesses want a solution to metal theft this year.

 

Click here to take action.

 

August 9, 2008
Fresno Chamber Stops Multi-Billion Dollar Paid Sick Leave Mandate

Strong opposition from the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce and Fresno businesses stopped a proposed law in a California State Senate Committee that would have un-reasonably expanded employer’s costs and liability by mandating a specific paid sick leave policy.
 

The proposed sick leave law would have covered all employees, so that part-time, seasonal and temporary workers would earn paid sick days.


“Fresno's employers are already struggling with rising energy, health care and regulatory costs in the midst of a challenging economy. This bill would cause employers to make tough decisions that would hurt Fresno workers and cost jobs,” stated Al Smith, President/CEO of the Fresno Chamber.

The proposed law mandated, without exception, that all employers provide paid sick leave to an employee after seven days of work in a calendar year to care for their own illness, or to provide to a sick child, spouse, domestic partner or other relative.


The ever-increasing burden of costly mandates on employers can cumulatively result in lower wages, reducing available health insurance, limiting training programs and - in the worst case scenario- job loss or reduced work hours. Job loss translates to lower tax revenues from employers and employees, as well as increased utilization of Unemployment Insurance. In an already troubled economy California should be seeking ways to stimulate job growth and avoid forcing costly mandates on employers.

 

Click here to email us your comments!

 

July 28, 2008
TAKE ACTION NOW! Oppose A Multi-Billion Dollar Paid Sick Leave Mandate

AB 2716 is a proposed new law that would unreasonably expand employer's and local government agencies’ costs and liability by mandating paid sick leave for all employees, including, interns, seasonal, part-time, temporary, and full-time employees.

All employers in California would be mandated to provide paid sick leave to an employee after only seven days of work in a calendar year. The proposed new law impacts all employers, large and small, regardless of the current level of sick leave already provided.

This proposal, estimated to cost employers billions of dollars in increased costs, places a massive burden on our local businesses at a time when our economy is underperforming and job cuts are continual.

 

Click here to take action!

July 8, 2008

Chamber’s Government Affairs Council Weighs in on the Fresno County Fire Protection Plan

Last week the Chamber’s GAC heard from both sides of the proposed Fresno County Fire Protection Plan and voted to not support the proposed plan. The Fresno County Fire Protection Plan, if approved by property owners, would create a fire suppression assessment which is a property-related special assessment against real property within the Fresno County Fire Protection District service area to fund fire suppression services. The assessment would specifically pay for new firefighters and pay for the new equipment for the new fire stations.

 

Click here for more.

June 30, 2008

Meal Period Issue Needs Comprehensive Solutions


Send a Letter to Your Legislator Urging Them to Find Solutions


The Fresno Chamber is continuing to urge lawmakers to insist on a comprehensive solution to the meal period litigation crisis. We believe there is a comprehensive solution that would provide a remedy across all industries, all job classifications and all employers — both union and non-union. Current law is confusing and has led to costly litigation against California businesses. Historically, state enforcement officials have interpreted the statute and related regulations narrowly and unreasonably, wrongly increasing employer liability.
 

Click here to take action!

June 23, 2008

Submit Your Letters Now! Take Action On Important Proposals Impacting Fresno's Business Community

 

AB 368: Mandated Healthcare for Hearing Aids
AB 368 introduces a mandate for health plans to offer coverage for hearing aids. Currently, this coverage is available only if agreed between the subscriber and plan, or policyholder and insurer.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 1848: New tax: collection mandate for companies
AB 1848 would expand the burden on California companies to police state tax compliance of other companies with whom they do business. California industries that could be harmed by AB 1848 include manufacturing, high-tech, aerospace, insurance, banking and other financial services.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 1887: Increase Health Care Premiums
AB 1887 will increase health care premiums by mandating that health plans and insurers provide parity coverage for all of the over 400 mental disorders identified in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This bill is substantially similar to AB 423 (Beall) of last year, which was vetoed by the Governor.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 1943: New Regulations for Airline Industries
AB 1943 would impose a new set of state regulations on the airline industry that could have harmful unintended consequences on passengers, airline employees, and airline trafficking.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 2279: Medical Marijuana
AB 2279 proposes to undermine employers’ ability to provide a safe workplace by forcing employers to hire workers who use medical marijuana, which is illegal under federal law. AB 2279 would preclude an employer from establishing or enforcing a policy to achieve or maintain a drug-free workplace.
 

Click here to take action.


SB 1115: Rollback of Worker’s Compensation Reforms
SB 1115 would weaken the apportionment statute and allow judges to overrule apportionment even when based on findings of actual previous disability, UNLESS THE BILL IS AMENDED to prohibit the use of risk factors to defeat apportionment when an injured worker has a previous disability that affects the degree of disability arising from the workplace injury or illness.
 

Click here to take action.


SB 1338: Workers’ Compensation: Pre-Designation of PTP
SB 1338 would delete the sunset date for provisions in current law that allow injured workers’ to pre-designate their primary treating physician (PTP) for workers’ compensation purposes.
 

Click here to take action.

SB 1717: Workers’ Compensation: Permanent Disability Benefits
SB 1717 would roll back historic workers compensation reforms and increase costs for employers by doubling permanent disability benefits by 1/1/2011. While there has been a clear decline in permanent disability benefits because of the application of objective medical evaluations through AMA, the appropriate use of apportionment, the reduction of weeks for low ratings, and return-to-work adjustments; there is no statistically valid and objective evidence that this situation warrants an increase in benefits.

 

Click here to take action.

June 16, 2008

Fresno Chamber Releases 2007-2008 County Budget Task Force Findings and Recommendations

One of the goals of the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Council (GAC) was to review the Fresno County budget. A task force for this purpose was formed in late February with the goal of reviewing the budget and preparing a list of recommendations for the County’s consideration in this budget year as well as next year. The committee members consisted of a cross section of representatives from public and private companies that operate in the Fresno County area and beyond.

 

Click here for more.

June 3, 2008

Submit Your Letters Now! Take Action On Important Proposals Impacting Fresno's Business Community

 

AB 1887: Increase Health Care Premiums
AB 1887 increase health care premiums by mandating that health plans and insurers provide parity coverage for all of the over 400 mental disorders identified in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This bill is substantially similar to AB 423 (Beall) of last year, which was vetoed by the Governor.

 

Click here to take action.


AB 1943: New Regulations for the Airline Industry
AB 1943 would impose a new set of state regulations on the airline industry that could have harmful unintended consequences on passengers, airline employees, and airline trafficking.

 

Click here to take action.

 

AB 2279: Forcing Employers to Hire Workers Who Use Medical Marijuana
AB 2279 proposes to undermine employers’ ability to provide a safe workplace by forcing employers to hire workers who use medical marijuana, which is illegal under federal law. AB 2279 would preclude an employer from establishing or enforcing a policy to achieve or maintain a drug-free workplace.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 2558: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Fee
AB 2558 would increase the price of doing business in the Los Angeles region by assessing an unfair tax vehicle fuel. California’s energy prices are already amongst the highest in the nation. This bill proposes a gas tax of up to 3% of the retail sales price. Such taxes in addition to the rising energy prices due to existing environmental initiatives are making it more and more difficult for California’s small businesses to remain in the state.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 2716: Mandated Paid Sick Time
AB 2716 (Ma) mandates that all employers provide paid sick leave to an employee after seven days of work in a calendar year to care for their own illness, or to provide care to a sick child, spouse, domestic partner, other relative, or some other person that they designate. The mandate would extend to all employers and all employees, as specified. There are no exceptions.
 

Click here to take action.


SB 1420: Mandates on Restaurants
SB 1420 would require chain restaurants to print on their menus specified nutritional information for each standard menu item served. For chain restaurants using only menu boards, the bill would require that the total number of calories for each standard menu item be indicated on the menu board. These provisions are both impractical and expensive.

 

Click here to take action.

May 30, 2008

Fresno Chamber’s Government Affairs Program Recognized as the Best In California for the Second Year in a Row

 

Fresno Chamber Government Affairs Committee Chair Ruth Evans Wins CalChamber Small Business Award

 

Last week, at the annual Business Legislative Summit hosted by the California Chamber of Commerce the Fresno Chamber was awarded the Advocacy Partner of the Year for its outstanding leadership efforts in being an avid advocate for the business community for the second year in a row.

Every year a local Chamber is recognized by the California Chamber for its ability to lead an effective advocacy program by serving as the voice of business within their local community; and this year the Fresno Chamber rose to the top.

Under the leadership of Ruth Evans, the Chamber’s Government Affairs Program has been consistently advocating in Fresno, Sacramento and Washington on behalf of small businesses. The Chamber utilizes this web site; policy platforms and legislative issues are listed, along with legislative report cards, and sample letters that can be used to communicate with our elected officials. In addition, Chamber leaders regularly meet with city and state government officials, while also participating in the “One Voice” delegation to Washington, D.C.

The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce continues to look for new ways to advocate on behalf of business. This year the Chamber co-sponsored its first piece of legislation in the State Assembly, hosted a forum on Propositions 98 & 99, endorsed a very competitive slate of local, pro-business candidates for City and County Offices, lead a review of the City of Fresno’s Master Fee’s Schedule and is preparing to lead a task force to review the County of Fresno’s annual budget as well.

 

Ruth Evans Wins CalChamber Small Business Award

The California Chamber of Commerce also honored four small business executives with its “2008 Small Business Advocate of the Year” award, recognizing recipients for their advocacy efforts on behalf of small businesses.

 

The CalChamber presented the awards at a luncheon before more than 600 attendees at the CalChamber Business Legislative Summit in Sacramento.

The awards presentation is sponsored by the CalChamber. Honorees are nominated by local chambers and selected by a task force comprised of members of the CalChamber Small Business Committee. Those selected have taken on leadership roles with federal, state or local ballot measures, have testified before the state Legislature or represented a chamber of commerce before local government.

Al Smith, president and CEO of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce and Amy Huerta, Government Affairs Manager for the chamber, co-nominated Ruth saying, “Ruth has an established record of operating and advocating on behalf of small businesses. Furthermore, her personal character, ambition, passion and persistence embody the best of small business in California. She does not rest until the day’s work is done and will not let an issue facing her business or any businesses go unaddressed.”

Evans has served as the chair for the governmental affairs committee with the Greater Fresno Area Chamber since 2005. Under Evans’ direction, the chamber completely revamped their government affairs program making the chamber a more effective voice for the local business community both in the Fresno region and throughout the state. In 2007, Evans was instrumental in creating the city and county budget task forces. Each task force is responsible for meeting with department heads, labor negotiators and top city and county administrators to analyze how local tax dollars are being spent. The task forces are also responsible for crafting recommendations to the city and county of Fresno. In addition, Ruth has represented small business in Sacramento, testifying before the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee on the CalChamber-sponsored flexible workweek bills in 2007 and 2008.

May 19, 2008

Did You Know the City of Fresno Could Save $100 Million of Taxpayer Dollars By Eliminating the Prevailing Wage?

Tomorrow, Councilmember Jerry Duncan will be requesting the Fresno City Council to repeal Fresno Municipal Code Section 4-403, which requires that prevailing wages be paid on City funded projects.

This is a great opportunity for the City of Fresno to join other charter cities in California (e.g. Merced, Modesto, Long Beach, Palo Alto) who have taken this action. By repealing this ordinance, the City will be able to move forward on critical public safety building projects while saving taxpayer dollars.

 

In fact, there is a potential savings of $100 million on much needed projects.

 

Click here to take action!

Upcoming Event - May 29, 2008
“The Spirit of Enterprise Award”

 

Join the Chamber as we honor Congressman Devin Nunes with the Spirit of Enterprise Award.


Thursday, May 29, 2008
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Holiday Inn, Downtown Fresno

1055 Van Ness

 

Click here to download a flyer for the event.

May 13, 2008

National Federation of Independent Business President & CEO Todd Stottlemyer in Fresno to Discuss Healthcare Impacts to Small Business

 

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Lyons Magnus

3158 East Hamilton Avenue, Fresno

 

7:45 am - 8:00 am

Registration & Networking

 

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Program (Breakfast will be provided courtesy of Lyons Magnus)

 

NFIB President & CEO Todd Stottlemyer, Senior Health Care Advisor Dr. Bob Graboyes (invited), and NFIB/California Executive Director John Kabateck will participate in the forum's panel and discuss the need for realistic healthcare reform that assures no one’s quality of care suffers as we work to provide coverage for all Americans.

 

Attendees are encouraged to engage in the conversation to share specific healthcare stories and concerns to help educate America’s legislators and policy influencers about the real issues facing the small business community.

 

Please RSVP to Lauren Palmer at (916) 448-9904 x 16 or via email at lauren.palmer@nfib.org by tomorrow, May 14.

May 7, 2008

Learn How to Make an Impact, Download the Fresno Chamber's Public Policy Manual

 

With almost 2,000 member/investors, The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce is an organization that represents the business community in the Central Valley. Our goal is to develop the action necessary to ensure that Fresno remains a thriving economic region.
 


This Public Policy Manual was created to inform our members, our elected officials and the community at large where the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce stands on the issues that impact businesses in our County and the surrounding community.

The manual includes contact information for your elected officials at the local, state and federal levels. It also includes effective ways to communicate with your representatives.

In order to communicate better with our membership the Fresno Chamber developed this advocacy website. This site is designed to present detailed information about important issues and to provide action steps to assist our members in sharing those opinions with city, county, state and federal officials.

You are encouraged to use this manual as well as the website as resources to stay on top of the issues. I think you will find the information comprehensive and useful as you formulate your views.

Remember the saying, “If you are not at the table, you are probably on someone’s menu.”

May 2, 2008

Video Presentations: Fresno Chamber Opposes Propositions 98 and 99 on the June 2008 Ballot


The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council voted to oppose Proposition 98 and Proposition 99, two controversial ballot propositions regarding eminent domain that will appear on the June ballot.

 

The Chamber heard testimony from both supporters and opponents of Propositions 98 and 99, and realizes that these are complex issues that are critically important to the Central Valley and to California as a whole. We support clear and constructive solutions and will continue to oppose ambiguous language and divisive tactics that do not move us any closer to sound policy.
 

Proposition 98

 

Proposition 98 takes a solid approach at limiting the government’s ability to invoke the use of eminent domain, but the Chamber believes this measure goes too far. While Proposition 98 has the potential to be great reform, ambiguous language written into the ballot proposition threatens the future building of needed infrastructure of water storage in the state of California. Proposition 98 would increase the likelihood of eminent domain battles ending up in long, drawn out legal battles, which help no one. For these reasons and others the Fresno Chamber opposes Proposition 98.


 

Kiran Black, Manager, Political Affairs, Farm PAC


Proposition 99

 

The Fresno Chamber also opposes Proposition 99 because it does not protect the rights of business owners. Proposition 99 only protects the rights of homeowners, falling shy of the real eminent domain reform that is needed in California. The Chamber would urge all players to put forth positive solutions to the eminent domain debate and to come to the table to get important reforms accomplished.

 

 

Hilary Baird, Public Affairs Manager, League of California Cities

April 22, 2008

Submit Your Letters Now!

Take Action On Six Important Proposals Impacting Fresno's Business Community

 

SB 1057

Increased Regulation on Rental Car Companies
 

SB 1057 would require rental car companies to advertise the entire rental rate that includes the taxes, customer facility charge, airport concession fee and the mileage charge, this bill would prevent rental car companies from charging consumers the current tourism commission assessment used to fund and promote California as a tourist destination across the country and around the world.
 

Click here to take action!


SB 1539

Meal Periods
 

SB 1539 would provide clarity and guidance for the compliance and enforcement of meal period laws. This bill is a comprehensive solution that serves employers and employees across all industries regardless of size or union status, providing clarification so employees have the opportunity to take meal breaks, enter into on-duty meal period agreements in appropriate situations, and collectively bargain for meal periods.
 

Click here to take action!


SB 1338

Rollback of Worker’s Compensation Reforms
 

SB 1338 would delete the sunset date for provisions in current law that allow injured workers’ to pre-designate their primary treating physician (PTP) for workers’ compensation purposes.
 

Click here to take action!


AB 1943

A new set of state regulations on the airline industry
 

AB 1943 would impose a new set of state regulations on the airline industry that could have harmful unintended consequences on passengers, airline employees, and airline trafficking. AB 1943 sets forth standards for passenger safety and service in lengthy delayed-departure situations, should be addressed only at the federal level. Although the bill is well-intentioned, it regulates airline operations and services, an area of regulation preempted by federal law, and thus subject to legal challenge.
 

Click here to take action!


SB 1765

Entertainment Industry Collective Bargaining Agreements
 

SB 1765 poses a serious threat for all industries who contract and enter into collective bargaining agreements and could be the next to be singled out similarly. SB 1765 attempts to rewrite a recently-reached collective bargaining agreement. The bill dictates contract terms that were discussed and rejected in negotiations leading to the collective bargaining agreement that brought an end to the recent and highly-publicized writer’s strike. In these negotiations, each side was represented by sophisticated and knowledgeable lawyers.
 

Click here to take action!


SB 1717

Rollback of Worker’s Compensation Reforms
 

SB 1717 would roll back historic workers compensation reforms and increase costs for employers by doubling permanent disability benefits by 1/1/2011. While there has been a clear decline in permanent disability benefits because of the application of objective medical evaluations through AMA, the appropriate use of apportionment, the reduction of weeks for low ratings, and return-to-work adjustments; there is no statistically valid and objective evidence that this situation warrants an increase in benefits.

 

Click here to take action!

April 8, 2008

Chamber Leaders Advocate for Small Business in State Assembly Labor and Employment Committee

Al Smith, Fresno Chamber President and CEO, along with Government Affairs Manager, Amy Huerta and Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee, Ruth Evans (pictured right) testified before the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 1:30 on AB 2127 the Small Business Family Scheduling Option of 2008.

 

This bill would have allowed small business to offer creative, flexible schedules in order to attract and retain top level talent.

This is the first bill the Fresno Chamber has co-sponsored. In that role, Chamber leaders have played an important role in crafting the language of the law as well as gaining support for the bill in Fresno and in the Capitol. Smith, Huerta and Evans also participated in a press conference with CalChamber at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning before they testify.

After the bill failed to pass out of the stacked Labor and Employment Committee, with 6 Democrats and 2 Republicans, Ruth Evans did not leave without a fight. After the hearing she fired off a letter to the chair of the committee, and sent an Op-Ed to the Fresno Bee and Fresno Business Journal encouraging local businesses to understand the unfriendly business environment in our state capitol.

 

Click here for Chair Evans' letter to the Assembly Committee.

April 8, 2008

Chamber Urges City Council to Oppose Anti-Jobs Legislation

 

Council Votes to Oppose AB 2716 by a margin of 6-1, Council Member Sterling Votes ‘No’
 

Council Member

Cynthia Sterling

The Chamber has taken a strong stance opposition to AB 2716 (Ma) which mandates that all employers provide paid sick leave to an employee after seven days of work in a calendar year to care for their own illness, or to provide care to a sick child, spouse, domestic partner, other relative, or some other person that they designate. The mandate would extend to all employers and all employees, as specified. There are no exceptions, and today Fresno City Council voted 6-1 to oppose the bill as well.

This represents a strong statement on behalf of the business community in Fresno. Most California employers participate in the California State Disability Insurance program (SDI), which is paid for through payroll deductions and provides temporary disability benefits for employees who are disabled by a non-work-related illness or injury. The employer is not required by law to offer paid sick leave to employees in addition to mandated SDI benefits. In fact, payment of sick leave may reduce the SDI benefits to which an individual is entitled.

April 1, 2008

City Council will Review Fees Charged to Fresno Residents and Businesses After Chamber’s Recommendations
 

Councilmember Duncan Votes Against the Tabled Recommendation
 

Council members tabled the vote on increasing fees for two more weeks. The Chamber strongly encourages the council members to carefully examine all fee increases and weigh them against increasing the cost of doing business in our community. Chamber leaders have met with city staff to voice their concern over the number and rate of fee hike and will continue to advocate for smaller and fewer fee increases.

 

“Many of the fees are being by double digit increases, and that is a hard hit on small businesses. It is not fair to those paying taxes for city services,” stated Ruth Evans, Chair, Government Affairs Council. Though many fees have not been increased in some cases for more than a decade, the Chamber recommends phased fee increases to meet the needs of small businesses and individuals alike.

Click here for the Chamber's City Budget Analysis.

Click here for the Chamber's memorandum to the City Council.

March 3, 2008

Chamber Pushes for City Council to Give Preference to Local Businesses

 

Council Members Duncan and Westerlund Vote Against Amendment
 

Council Member Jerry Duncan

 

Council Member Larry Westerlund

Tuesday February 26, 2008 the Fresno City Council passed an amendment of the Fresno Municipal Code by a 5-2, majority decision.

The amendment extends a 5% local preference in City purchases of materials, supplies and/or equipment for bids up to $500,000, removing the current $250,00 ceiling. The amount of preference will be up to $25,000 compared to the current cap of $12,500. “Local business” was initially defined as businesses with a fixed primary or branch office within a twenty-five mile radius of City Hall.

Upon the Chamber’s recommendation the City Council amended the resolution to include all of Fresno County. Because the Fresno Chamber membership extends to the entire County, it was important to the Chamber that the local preference includes all of the Chamber membership.

This will help businesses in our community, keeping important money from leaving Fresno County. Local preference is good policy for business in our community; we commend the City Council for passing the amendment with a firm majority.

March 3, 2008

Did You Know Meal Period Disputes Account for 50% of All Employment-Related Lawsuits Filed in California EACH YEAR?

 

Support SB 1539. A Comprehensive Solution to Meal Period Laws.

SB 1539 (Calderon) will provide clarity and guidance for the compliance and enforcement of meal period laws. This bill is a comprehensive solution that serves employers and employees across all industries regardless of size or union status, providing clarification so employees have the opportunity to take meal breaks, enter into on-duty meal period agreements in appropriate situations, and collectively bargain for meal periods."
 

Click here to take action.

March 3, 2008

Do You Want a Flexible Schedule in the Workplace Without Having to Pay Overtime?

Send a letter to support AB 2127, the Small Business Family Scheduling Option of 2008, which would allow employees and employers flexibility in work schedules to help accommodate employees' diverse family obligations, personal pursuits, commuting issues and environmental concerns by allowing a small business to agree to provide scheduling options requested by an employee.
 

Click here to take action.

 

January 14, 2007

February 2008 Ballot Propositions
 

The Fresno Chamber Government Affairs Council recommends the following positions on the February 5, 2008 statewide ballot propositions:

No on Proposition 92
Funding Community Colleges

 

Summary

 

Proposition 92 would lock in a specific funding requirement for the Community College Districts in the state of California by replacing the single education funding requirement, enforced by Proposition 98, with two requirements: funding for K-12 education and funding for community colleges.

 

Proposition 92 would not negatively impact the funding of K-12. The measure would not change the existing requirements that roughly 40 percent of General Fund revenues be spent on K-14 education. This measure would reduce student fees to $15 per unit beginning in fall 2008.

Why Vote NO?
 

- Proposition 92 would amend California’s constitution to lock in a huge new state funding mandate for community colleges. This could lead to politicians to raise income or sales tax or cut funding to other government funded entities.
 

- It is estimated the increased spending created by Proposition 92 will reach nearly a billion dollars in the first three years.
 

- The governing board for Proposition 92 does not provide direct oversight to determine how Proposition 92 funds will be spent.
 

Please click here for full analysis of proposition 92


No on Proposition 93
Term Limits
 

Summary
 

Under Proposition 93 an individual could serve a total of 12 years in the Legislature. Unlike the current system, these years could be served without regard to whether they were in the Assembly or Senate. In other words, an individual could serve six two-year terms in the Assembly, three four-year terms in the Senate, or some combination of terms in both houses.

 

Under this measure, existing Members of the Legislature could serve up to a total of 12 years in their current legislative house (regardless of how many years were already served in the other house). This could result in some current Members serving longer than 14 years in the Legislature.
 

Why Vote NO?
 

- Term limits reform without redistricting reform is not the comprehensive political reform California needs.
 

- This measure has the ability to keep the current leadership in office for another 14 years. And, if redistricting does not pass, that will likely be the case.
 

- By passing this measure, the voters would only give the leadership exactly what they want without demanding accountability at any level.
 

Please click here for full analysis of Proposition 93


Yes on Proposition 94-97

Indian Gaming Agreements
 

Summary


The compact amendment allows the specific tribes to operate up to 7,500 Nevada-style slot machines at its casinos, up from 2,000 under the 1999 compact. In turn, annual payment to the General Fund would total at least $42.5 million under the compact amendment. In addition to this minimum payment, the tribe would pay to the General Fund an annual amount equal to 15 percent of the net revenues of the next 3,000 slot machines it adds to its casinos after the compact amendment takes effect.
 

The agreements also must provide for local governments to receive “reasonable compensation” for increased public service costs due to the casino, such as costs of public safety and gambling addiction programs. Under these agreements significant environmental impacts outside of the reservation must be reduced or avoided where feasible.

Why Vote YES?
 

- For the first time the tribe would make payments to the General Fund the state’s main operating account. The estimated revenues will add up to 25% in additional funding in to the state General Fund.
 

- The new compact agreements require the tribes to coordinate with local police and fire agencies to compensate local governments for any local services that are needed. The new compact agreements preserve the right of Indian casino employees to be represented by unions through secret ballot.

Please click here for full analysis of Propositions 94-97


December 26, 2007

Fresno Chamber Keeps Employers Informed on New Laws for 2008


In 2007, the California Legislature passed a number of laws that will affect the way we do business in California. The Fresno Chamber is urging employers to be aware of these new laws that are now in effect or will take effect in 2008. Click here for more.

 

November 27, 2007

2007 Vote Record: Fresno Chamber Continues to Hold State Officials Accountable to Business Community

The 2007 Vote Record: Over 50 Potential Laws Tracked by the Fresno Chamber and How Senators Dave Cogdill and Dean Florez and Assembly Members Tom Berryhill, Michael Villines, Nicole Parra and Juan Arambula Voted

The Fresno Chamber's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) voted in early 2007 to track over 50 potential laws (bills) that might impact Fresno businesses.


Each month, the GAC members reviewed and discussed the status of all 50 plus bills. The local Fresno legislators, which consisted of Senators Dave Cogdill and Dean Florez and Assembly Members Tom Berryhill, Michael Villines, Nicole Parra and Juan Arambula, received letters communicating the Chamber's positions on all bills.

The Fresno Chamber lobbied during the 2007 legislative session for our legislators to OPPOSE 15 final bills and SUPPORT 3 final bills. The Chamber is only holding the local legislators accountable for bills that made it to the Governor's desk. 2007 saw 18 of the over 50 potential laws make it to the Governor's desk. Click here for more.

 

November 27, 2007

2007 Vote Record: Fresno Chamber Holds City Council Accountable

City Of FresnoThe Chamber works closely with local elected officials as part of our commitment to advocate on behalf of our members, business and to promote the economic vitality of our community.

 

We monitor their positions on issues ranging from fee increases and zoning to revitalization of downtown and public safety.  And, just like we do for our State elected officials, we track the vote records of our local leaders. Click here for more.

 

October 11, 2007

TAKE ACTION NOW!

MORE...Top Issues Ready For Governor's Consideration


AB 1707 (Swanson)- New Employer Liability - VETO
AB 1707 would unreasonably expand employee access to personnel records and establish new employer liability.
 

Click here to take action.


SB 180 (Migden) – Damaging to Ag Business - VETO
SB 180 would hurt competitiveness of California agriculture producers, driving businesses out of state, killing jobs and increasing loss of farmland, by increasing labor costs for California producers who must compete in a global market with lower average operating costs.
 

Click here to take action.


SB 549 (Corbett) – New Bereavement Leave for Employees - VETO
SB 549 would unreasonably expand employer’s liability for a new protected bereavement leave for employees.
 

Click here to take action.

 

SB 622 (Padilla) - New Penalties for Independent Contractors- VETO
SB 622 creates a new excuse to sue employers and exposes them to excessive new penalties for "willful misclassification" of independent contractors without providing clear roadmap for employers to comply. Instead of new violation provisions, penalties and civil lawsuits, contractors, the business community, employees and employers alike would be better served by creating clear and consistent application of factors that define independent contractor.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 70 (Jones) - Flood Liability - VETO
AB 70 still imposes liability for damages caused by the failure of state-operated flood control projects.
 

Click here to take action.


SB 788 (Cogdill) – Audits - SIGN
SB 788 would permit the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to conduct audits of taxpayers with water’s-edge elections on a discretionary rather than mandatory basis.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 435 (Brownley)- Extends the Statute of Limitations to File Wage Discrimination- VETO
AB 435 unreasonably extends the statute of limitations to file wage discrimination claims and requirements for maintaining paperwork, increasing employer exposure to untimely lawsuits.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 338 (Coto) – Temporary Disability Benefits- SIGN
AB 338 would resolve a problem in current law relating to the 104 week cap on temporary disability benefits by amending the “window” in which injured workers are eligible for benefits. AB 338 (Coto) represents a balanced approach to resolving a real and tangible problem in the workers’ compensation system.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 812 (Hernandez)- Combat Fraud in Worker’s Compensation- SIGN
AB 812 would help combat premium fraud in workers’ compensation insurance by giving insurance companies statutory authority to impose a financial penalty on employers who do not submit to required payroll audits for the purposes of verifying premium.
 

Click here to take action.


AB 1636 (Mendoza)- Supplemental Job Displacement Vouchers -VETO
AB 1636 would require employers to provide some injured workers with supplemental job displacement vouchers (SJDV) prior to verification that the injured worker is actually eligible for that benefit under the law.
 

Click here to take action.

 

October 10, 2007

TAKE ACTION NOW! Top Issues Ready For Governor's Consideration

 

AB 537 (Swanson) - Expanding Protected Leave - VETO
AB 537 proposes to expand protected leave for employees that employers must grant regardless of business necessity. Under current requirements of the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), employers with 50-plus employees must grant to their employees up to 12 workweeks leave in a 12-month period, to care for their seriously ill child, spouse, or parent. Expanding protected leave makes doing business in California more costly. Click here to take action.

 

AB 8 (Nuñez) – Healthcare Tax - VETO
AB 8 imposes a tax on small employers who can’t afford to provide health care coverage, to fund health care coverage for those who don’t currently purchase it.
Click here to take action.
 

AB 377- Labor Contractors - VETO
AB 377 requires farm labor contractors to print the name and address of the person who contracts for services on the farm labor contractor’s employee pay stubs. We are concerned that this requirement is an attempt to impose new joint liability on farmers for the actions of farm labor contractors.
Click here to take action.

AB 448 - (Arambula) – Expansion of Liquidated Damages - VETO
AB 448 would substantially increase penalties that can be awarded against employers in administrative minimum wage claims filed with the Labor Commissioner. Specifically, AB 448 would allow liquidated damages to be awarded against employers in not just court actions but also administrative actions.
Click here to take action.
 

AB 504 (Swanson)- New Employer Liability - VETO
AB 504 would inappropriately imposes new employer liability that

could increase the cost of doing business in California by providing a new definition of lockout that requires an employer to pay restitution to employees. Click here to take action.

AB 779 (Jones) – New Data Security Requirements - VETO
AB 779 places financial liability on businesses for the cost of replacing credit or debit cards even if they comply with the data security requirements of the bill.
Click here to take action.
 

September 4, 2007

Find Out Which City Council Members Are Really Business Friendly
 

Last week the Fresno City Council voted on whether or not to repeal the Fresno Municipal Code Section 5-302b, which states that the retail and wholesale license fees shall escalate automatically, without further action by the Council. The increase shall be based on the Consumer Price Index.

 

The motion failed 5-2.

City Council’s position: If the City would like to raise the business license fees in the future, it would be too difficult given the regulations if this ordinance were to be repealed.

The Chamber’s position: Raising any fees on a specific sector in the community should not have the ability to escalate automatically. All fees should be publicly discussed. More.


See How They Voted:


Councilmembers who voted YES to repeal the automatic business tax.

 


Jerry Duncan
   

Henry Perea

 

Councilmembers who voted NO to repeal the automatic business tax.

 

Blong Xiong


Cynthia Sterling


Mike Dages

     

Larry Westerlund

Brian Calhoun

 

 

September 4, 2007
Special Thanks to Congressman Radanovich, Congressman Costa and Congressman Nunes

 

Last week the Chamber was pleased to host Congressman Radanovich, Costa and Nunes at the Copper River Country Club to present to them the Spirit of Enterprise Award. The Spirit of Enterprise Award is awarded to those members of Congress who vote at least 70% in line with the U.S. Chamber’s priority. More

 

August 28, 2007

Help Save Competitiveness of Fresno and California Agriculture Producers

SB 180 would hurt competitiveness of California agriculture producers. This bill takes away a workers right to a private ballot when deciding whether or not to join a union by replacing the private ballot with a scheme called card check which allows a union to organize if a majority of workers simply sign a card. Click here to TAKE ACTION!

 

August 24, 2007

Stop Automatic Increases in City Business Taxes

 

Did you know the City of Fresno is currently allowed to raise the business tax automatically, without further action or oversight by the Council?
 

Click here to TAKE ACTION!


In 1990 the City Council passed a resolution that states that the retail and wholesale license fees shall escalate on November 1, 1990 and shall escalate annually on July 1 of each year thereafter automatically, without further action or oversight by the Council. Although the City has never acted on this resolution, it is still on their books, and the City still has the overriding authority to use this policy.

On August 28th the City Council will vote whether or not this resolution should be appealed. In an effort to get this resolution appealed, the Fresno Chamber urges you to send a letter to your City Council members.

 

August 13, 2007

Force Legislators To Act On Redistricting Reform
 

The stall on redistricting reform has gone on too long in this state; the current gerrymandered system has failed to create substantial change in our state. It’s time we start giving the voice back to the voters and allow them to choose the candidates, not the district lines. The Fresno Chamber is leading the effort through a letter writing campaign to get redistricting reform on the ballot in 2008.

 

Click here to submit your letter today!

 

July 25, 2007

Fresno Chamber Actively Reviews County Budget


Since the beginning of March a task force made up of Chamber members has been carefully analyzing the Fresno Counties budget. Over this four month period the Chamber has met with the CAO, the Sheriff, the Board of Supervisors and the Personnel Department in order to better understand how our tax dollars are spent and determine what the County can do to make government services more cost effective. More
 

June 21, 2007

Fresno Chamber Issues Statement Regarding the City Budget

Over the past few weeks the Fresno Chamber’s City Budget Task Force has been working with city staff to analyze and make recommendations for the 2007-2008 budget. Although the Chamber does not have a few pending issues with the current budget, the Chamber is pleased to see the financial management of the overall budget. More

 

June 21, 2007

Fresno Chamber Issues Statement Regarding the City Budget

Over the past few weeks the Fresno Chamber’s City Budget Task Force has been working with city staff to analyze and make recommendations for the 2007-2008 budget. Although the Chamber does not have a few pending issues with the current budget, the Chamber is pleased to see the financial management of the overall budget. More

 

June 21, 2007

Fresno Chamber Urges Council to Consider Economic Impacts on Housing

On Wednesday, June 13, 2007 the Fresno Chamber reviewed the temporary encampment housing issue at the request of member businesses located next to or near the proposed site. The Chamber reviewed the logistics of the issue and heard the concerns from both the surrounding business owners and Councilmember Jerry Duncan. More

 

 

June 1, 2007

Fresno Chamber’s Government Affairs Program Recognized as ‘Advocacy Partner of the Year’

At the annual Business Legislative Summit hosted by the California Chamber of Commerce the Fresno Chamber was awarded the Advocacy Partner of the Year for its outstanding leadership efforts in being an avid advocate for the business community. More

 

 

May 11, 2007

Fresno Chamber Gives a Different Meaning to, “We Mean Business”

On April 18, 2007 the Chamber’s Government Affairs delegation, including Ruth Evans, owner of the Evans HR Group, and Oran Cogdill, owner of Best Western Garden Court Inn testified in front of the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee in support of AB 510 (Benoit; R-Palm Desert)the Flexible Workweek Bill.  More

August 16, 2007

TAKE ACTION NOW!

The Top Issues Impacting Fresno's Business Community

 

AB 8: Healthcare Tax for All Employers: Oppose
AB 8 imposes a tax on small employers who can’t afford to provide health care coverage, to fund health care coverage for those who don’t currently purchase it.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab8.html


AB 338: Increasing Cap on Temporary Disability Benefits: Oppose
AB 338 the cap on temporary disability to 156 weeks. Evidence suggests that a prompt return to employment after an injury reduces an injured worker’s long-term wage loss. The Division of Workers’ Compensation recently released data showing that there was a 5% increase in the numbers of injured workers who are returning to work within 20 months of their injury.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab338.html


AB 377: Extra Liabilities for Farm Labor Contractors: Oppose
AB 377 would require an FLC to disclose the name and address of the entity or entities that secured that contractor’s services on the pay stub of the FLC’s employees. This bill is similar to AB 2327 which we opposed and was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab377.html


AB 435: Increasing Time Frame to Maintain Employee Records: Oppose
AB 435 imposes unwarranted and unreasonable requirements for maintaining paperwork, and increases employer exposure to untimely lawsuits. This bill increases the statue of limitations two and a half times the timeframe currently allowed. We are concerned that this more than doubling of the timeframe exposes employers to increased liability in penalties and results in an extended timeframe of unpredictability for businesses’ forecasting.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab435.html


AB 512: Foreign Language Translation of Mortgage Contracts: Oppose
AB 512 attempts to require supervised financial organizations to provide a summary sheet of loan terms in the language the loan was negotiated if that loan was negotiated in one of five statutorily identified foreign languages. This measure will be PREEMPTED by federal law and will not be applicable to federally chartered banks and credit unions.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab512.html


AB 537: Expanding Employees Protected Leave: Oppose
This bill would increase the circumstances under which an employee is entitled to protected leave to include: eliminating the age and dependency elements to the definition of “child,” expanding the definition of “parent” to include parent-in-law, and including in the definition grandparent, sibling, grandchild, or domestic partner.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab537.html


AB 1212: Revised Schedule for Permanent Disability: Oppose
This bill would require the administrative director, on or before January 1, 2009, to revise the schedule for the determination of permanent disability to increase the ratings contained in the schedule based on empirical studies of ratings and wage losses, including, but not limited to, studies produced by the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab1212.html

 

AB 1403: San Joaquin Valley School District Improvement Pilot Program: Support
AB 1403 allows County Superintendents to opt to assume additional responsibility for ensuring the academic success of those struggling school districts within their jurisdiction that are both identified for program improvement or corrective action under the federal NCLB and have 50 percent of more of their schools ranked in deciles 1 and 2 of the state Academic Performance Index.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab1403.html


AB 1636: Supplemental Job Displacement Vouchers: Oppose
AB 1636 would require employers to provide some injured workers with supplemental job displacement vouchers (SJDV) prior to verification that the injured worker is actually eligible for that benefit under the law.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab1636.html


AB 1707: Maintain Employment Records for a Specified Time: Oppose
This bill would require employers to maintain employment records for a specified time and to provide inspection and copies within a specified time to current and former employees.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab1707.html


SB 140: New Standards for Diesel Fuel: Oppose
SB 140 would require at least 2% of all diesel fuel sold in the state to contain renewable diesel fuel by a date specified by the state board and five percent two years after the implementation of the 2% standard.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/sb140.html


SB 549: Expand Employer’s Liability for a New Protected Bereavement Leave: Oppose
SB 549 proposes to establish new sanctions and rights of action against employers related to this new protected leave. Under this bill, employers would be subjected to civil action in court or enforcement action through the Department of Labor Standards Enforcement.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/sb549.html


SB 622: New Restrictions for Willful Misclassification of Independent Contractors: Oppose
SB 622 creates a new excuse to sue employers and exposes them to excessive new penalties for "willful misclassification" of independent contractors without providing clear compliance guidelines. Instead of additional penalties, employees and employers alike would be better served by creating clear and consistent application of factors that define independent contractor.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/sb622.html


SB 788: Audits with Water’s Edge Election on Discretionary Basis: Support
SB 788 would permit the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to conduct audits of taxpayers with water’s-edge elections on a discretionary rather than mandatory basis. The “water’s-edge” election is an election by taxpayers with worldwide income to be taxed, with specific exceptions, only upon income from affiliates within the water’s edge of the United States.
 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/sb788.html


SB 840: Government Run Healthcare: Oppose
SB 840 creates a new government run, multi-billion dollar socialized health care system built from a yet to be specified tax increase, and on false premises and failed attempts in other countries.

 

TAKE ACTION: http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/sb840.html

 

July 31, 2007

TAKE ACTION NOW ON LEGISLATION!

 

AB 8: Healthcare Tax for All Employers: Oppose
AB 8 imposes a tax on small employers who can’t afford to provide health care coverage, to fund health care coverage for those who don’t currently purchase it.
 

Take Action:

http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab8.html


AB 1636: Supplemental Job Displacement Vouchers: Oppose
AB 1636 would require employers to provide some injured workers with supplemental job displacement vouchers (SJDV) prior to verification that the injured worker is actually eligible for that benefit under the law.

 

Take Action:

http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab1636.html


AB 1707: Maintain Employment Records for a Specified Time: Oppose
This bill would require employers to maintain employment records for a specified time and to provide inspection and copies within a specified time to current and former employees.
 

Take Action:

http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/ab1707.html


SB 140: New Standards for Diesel Fuel: Oppose
SB 140 would require at least 2% of all diesel fuel sold in the state to contain renewable diesel fuel by a date specified by the state board and five percent two years after the implementation of the 2% standard.
 

Take Action:

http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/sb140.html


SB 549: Expand Employer’s Liability for a New Protected Bereavement Leave: Oppose
SB 549 proposes to establish new sanctions and rights of action against employers related to this new protected leave. Under this bill, employers would be subjected to civil action in court or enforcement action through the Department of Labor Standards Enforcement.
 

Take Action:

http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/sb549.html


SB 622: New Restrictions for Willful Misclassification of Independent Contractors: Oppose

SB 622 creates a new excuse to sue employers and exposes them to excessive new penalties for "willful misclassification" of independent contractors without providing clear compliance guidelines. Instead of additional penalties, employees and employers alike would be better served by creating clear and consistent application of factors that define independent contractor.
 

Take Action:

http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/sb622.html

 

SB 788: Audits with Water’s Edge Election on Discretionary Basis: Support
SB 788 would permit the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to conduct audits of taxpayers with water’s-edge elections on a discretionary rather than mandatory basis. The “water’s-edge” election is an election by taxpayers with worldwide income to be taxed, with specific exceptions, only upon income from affiliates within the water’s edge of the United States.
 

Take Action:

http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/sb788.html


SB 840: Government Run Healthcare: Oppose
SB 840 creates a new government run, multi-billion dollar socialized health care system built from a yet to be specified tax increase, and on false premises and failed attempts in other countries.

 

Take Action:

http://www.fresnochamberadvocacy.com/2007/sb840.html

July 25, 2007

TAKE ACTION NOW!

The Top Issues Impacting Fresno's Business Community

 

AB 338: Increasing Cap on Disability Benefits: Oppose
AB 338 the cap on temporary disability to 156 weeks. Evidence suggests that a prompt return to employment after an injury reduces an injured worker’s long-term wage loss. The Division of Workers’ Compensation recently released data showing that there was a 5% increase in the numbers of injured workers who are returning to work within 20 months of their injury.

AB 377: Extra Liabilities for Farm Labor Contractors: Oppose
AB 377 would require an FLC to disclose the name and address of the entity or entities that secured that contractor’s services on the pay stub of the FLC’s employees. This bill is similar to AB 2327 which we opposed and was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger.

AB 435: Increasing Time Frame to Maintain Records: Oppose
AB 435 imposes unwarranted and unreasonable requirements for maintaining paperwork, and increases employer exposure to untimely lawsuits. This bill increases the statue of limitations two and a half times the timeframe currently allowed. We are concerned that this more than doubling of the timeframe exposes employers to increased liability in penalties and results in an extended timeframe of unpredictability for businesses’ forecasting.

AB 512: Translation of Mortgage Contracts: Oppose
AB 512 attempts to require supervised financial organizations to provide a summary sheet of loan terms in the language the loan was negotiated if that loan was negotiated in one of five statutorily identified foreign languages. This measure will be PREEMPTED by federal law and will not be applicable to federally chartered banks and credit unions.

AB 537: Expanding Employees Protected Leave: Oppose
This bill would increase the circumstances under which an employee is entitled to protected leave to include: eliminating the age and dependency elements to the definition of “child,” expanding the definition of “parent” to include parent-in-law, and including in the definition grandparent, sibling, grandchild, or domestic partner.

AB 1212: Revised Schedule for Permanent Disability: Oppose
This bill would require the administrative director, on or before January 1, 2009, to revise the schedule for the determination of permanent disability to increase the ratings contained in the schedule based on empirical studies of ratings and wage losses, including, but not limited to, studies produced by the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation.


AB 1403: SJVUSD Improvement Pilot Program: Support
AB 1403 allows County Superintendents to opt to assume additional responsibility for ensuring the academic success of those struggling school districts within their jurisdiction that are both identified for program improvement or corrective action under the federal NCLB and have 50 percent of more of their schools ranked in deciles 1 and 2 of the state Academic Performance Index.

July 9, 2007

TAKE ACTION NOW! Democratic Health Care Proposal Allows Government Agency to Raise Payroll Taxes

 

AB 8: Healthcare Tax on all Employers: Oppose

AB 8, originally proposed by the Speaker Fabian Nunez, is now merging with proposal by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata. The bill sets up a government-run health care system for employees who do not receive health care from their employers, financed almost exclusively by a payroll tax on all employers who do not spend a certain level of funding on employee health care. The tax increase could exceed $6.5 billion.
 

SB 719: San Joaquin Air Pollution Board: Oppose
SB 719 would change the composition of the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District Governing Board. This bill would increase the membership of the District’s Governing Board from 11 to 15 members and would modify the Board appointment process.

AB 1403: Educational Program for Fresno & Tulare: Support
This bill would allow the County Superintendents of Fresno and Tulare Counties to opt to assume additional responsibility for ensuring the academic success of struggling school district within their jurisdiction that are both identified for program improvement or corrective action under NCLB and have 50 percent or more of their schools ranked in deciles 1 and 2 of the state Academic Performance Index.

June 27, 2007

TAKE ACTION Now on Legislation Impacting the Fresno Region

 

AB 8 Healthcare Tax on all Employers: Oppose

AB 8 will be heard in the Senate Health Committee on July 11, 2007, which imposes a tax on small employers who can’t afford to provide health care coverage, to fund health care coverage for those who don’t currently purchase it.

 

SB 840 Healthcare Tax Increase: Oppose

SB 840 creates a new government run, multi-billion dollar socialized health care system built from a yet to be specified tax increase, and on false premises and failed attempts in other countries.

 

AB 512 Employer Mandated Contracts: Oppose

AB 512 requires a variety of contracts be translated into any language in which negotiations were conducted. 

 

SB 719 Pollution Control Governing Board: Oppose

SB 719 would change the composition of the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District Governing Board. This bill would increase the membership of the District’s Governing Board from 11 to 15 members and would modify the Board appointment process.

 

SB 240 Fee Increase, Air Pollution: Oppose

SB 240 would authorize the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) to impose a new $300 annual fee on all stationary and area wide sources of air pollution.  It allows the SJVAPCD to increase vehicle licensing fees up to $30 per vehicle. SB 240 would impose new state mandates on a district that is successfully dealing with addressing the Valley’s most pressing issue—improving air quality.

 

AB 1620 Clean Technology Services Unit: Support

AB 1620 establishes the California Clean Technology Services Unit (CCTSU) within the Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency (BT&H) designed to promote the development of environmentally-friendly technologies, facilitate businesses in bringing clean technology to California, and coordinate efforts between state agencies that encourage clean technology development that meets the state's environmental goals and standards.

June 18, 2007

Take Action Now on Legislation Impacting Fresno

 

SB 622 (Padilla) OPPOSE Take Action
SB 622 creates a subjective and undefined labor law violation - the “willful” misclassification of an employee as an independent contractor.


AB 537 (Swanson) OPPOSE Take Action
This bill would increase the cost of doing business by expanding protected leave for employees that employers must grant regardless of business necessity.


AB 377 (Arambula) OPPOSE Take Action
This bill would create joint liability for any farmer that enters into a legal contract for services with a Farm Labor Contractor (FLC).


SB 549 (Corbett) OPPOSE Take Action
This new leave requirement applies regardless of business necessity of the employer – if the employee qualifies for the leave, it must be granted.


AB 1212 (Nunez) OPPOSE
Take Action
This bill would require the Administrative Director (AD) of the Division of Workers’ Compensation to revise the Permanent Disability Rating Schedule (PDRS), with the effect of increasing permanent disability ratings, prior to 1/1/2009.

March 27, 2007

Fresno Chamber Urges Council to Postpone Consideration of Impact Fees

In August of 2006 the City Planning Department and the stakeholders began negotiating what street impact fees should look like in the coming year; fees that have not been actively updated in almost 20 years.

 

With the current and expected growth in the City, it is vital we continue to support and maintain infrastructure needs in our City. This is especially important for the business community in order to continue to ensure the success of the businesses already located here, and to encourage more businesses to locate in our City. More

March 9, 2007

Fresno Chamber Questions Educational Purpose of Campus Pointe Center

For the past three months, the Fresno Chamber’s Government Affairs Council (GAC) has taken an in-depth look at the Campus Pointe Center proposed just east of the Fresno State Campus. More

March 6, 2007

Fresno Chamber Leads Effort to Increase Business Opportunities with the City

The Fresno Chamber is in support of the local preference ordinance that has been put forth by Councilmember Mike Dages. This ordinance will give local businesses, located within a 25 mile radius from City Hall, a 5% preference in the bidding process...More

February 20, 2007

Fresno Chamber Fights for Business

Announces its 2007 Legislative Priorities for Fresno Businesses

Each year, the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council develops its legislative priorities. Each of the legislative priorities serve as the foundation for the Fresno Chamber's continuing effort to improve the regional business climate...More

February 20, 2007

Fresno Business Community to Meet with Congressman Nunes on Regional Issues

 

Businesses and the Fresno community are invited to attend the Fresno Chamber's Eggs & Issues Breakfast with Congressman Devin Nunes. Congressman Nunes will discuss federal issues impacting our region.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007
7:15am to 9:00am
The Downtown Club
2120 Kern Street
Cost $20.00 per person
Please RSVP to Amy Huerta at (559) 495-4818 ahuerta@fresnochamber.com

January 29, 2006

Join the Fresno Chamber in Honoring the New 2007 Elected Officials

 

Join the Fresno Chamber in honoring newly elected Sheriff Mims and Councilmember Xiong. Senator Dave Cogdill, Assemblymember Michael Villines, Cal Johnson, FUSD Trustree D-1, and Michelle Arax Asadoorian, FUSD Trustree 7 will also attend.

 

The event is Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the Downtown Club, 2120 Kern Street from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. Please RSVP to Amy Huerta at (559) 495-4818 ahuerta@fresnochamber.com

January 9, 2007

Fresno Chamber Keeps Employers Informed on New Laws for 2007


Last year the California Legislature passed a number of laws that will affect the way we do business in California. The Fresno Chamber is urging employers to be aware of these new laws that are now in effect or will take effect in 2007.
More

October 5, 2006

Fresno Chamber Fights for Business
Approves Positions on November Ballot Propositions

The Fresno Chamber calls upon the local business community to understand the impacts of the November statewide propositions. “The Fresno Chamber continues to examine the stream of propositions that are turning out for the November ballot,” stated Ruth Evans, Chair of the Fresno Chamber's Government Affairs Committee. “We will continue to do our job in taking positions on these initiatives—there is much at stake for our members, ” Evans continued.

 

Click here for more information on each of the propositions.

September 21, 2006

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Submit Your Letter to the Governor Asking Him to STOP Three Anti-Jobs Proposals

 

Oppose SB 1414
Click to submit your letter

 

SB 1414 (Migden), would require companies with over 10,000 employees in California to spend the equivalent of eight percent of their total payroll on health insurance or pay the equivalent amount to Medi-Cal. Employer mandates do not solve problems but rather threaten jobs and slow economic growth, sending a message that our state is unfriendly to business. This bill does nothing to provide access to healthcare while raising the cost of doing business in California

Oppose AB 32
Click to submit your letter

 

AB 32 is NOT the right solution. It is a lose-lose proposition for California. AB 32 would hurt our economy by putting arbitrary mandates on all employers, making them less competitive and encouraging business to leave the state - taking their jobs with them.
We need to find a GLOBAL solution to this GLOBAL problem.

Oppose SB 1368

Click to submit your letter


SB 1368 would establish a greenhouse gas emission performance standard, limiting the available power sources to meet California’s energy demands while substantially increasing the price of electricity to consumers and businesses. Specifically, SB 1368: discriminates against coal as a low cost fuel, limits Utility Purchases to short-term contracts, and increases costs to businesses and retail-end customers.

August 22, 2006

Fresno Chamber Opposes Minimum Wage Increases’ Negative Impact on Business


"The Fresno Chamber has learned that the Governor and the legislature have reached an agreement on raising the minimum wage to $8.00 per hour. The Fresno Chamber remains opposed to any minimum wage increases that:

- Allow automatic escalation of minimum salary for exempt employees.

- Do not allow for a flexible 40-hour work week before overtime
- Do not consider tips in calculating minimum wage
...more

August 16, 2006

Public Safety Integration drives forward with Chamber at the Wheel
Headway made on integration of public safety services
 

On July 20, the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Fresno County Board of Supervisors and Fresno City Council, held a rare joint meeting to discuss crucial items that could be merged to improve safety...more

August 16, 2006

Fresno Chamber Secures Favorable Local and Statewide Business Climate in 2006

 

Increases in advocacy efforts provides return on business community investment in the Fresno Chamber.

 

In January 2006, the Fresno Chamber increased its effort to represent the interests of business with government. The Chamber launched a new committee of local business representatives, the Government Affairs Council, which meets monthly to fight issues impacting the vitality of the Fresno business community...more

July 27, 2006

Fresno Chamber Opposes Proposed Parcel Tax

 

The Fresno Chamber OPPOSES the Classroom Learning Accountability Act (CLAA) because the Fresno Chamber opposes policies that execute government-imposed wage mandates that do not consider regional economic conditions and/or the impacts to local employers. This act clearly does not take into consideration income or property values. more

July 27, 2006

Fresno Chamber Joins Coalition to Promote a Sustainable Environment and Economy

 

The Fresno Chamber SUPPORTS and becomes a member of Sustainable Environment and Economy for California (SEECalifornia) because the Chamber supports measures that promote a voluntary market-based air quality programs and support giving businesses reasonable choices that are fuel neutral. more

June 20, 2006

TAKE ACTION NOW!

SUPPORT Water Storage and River Restoration Legislation

 

There is no better time than now for the Valley to join together to ensure that SB 902, the Upper San Joaquin River Storage and San Joaquin River Restoration Bond Act of 2006. This bill must pass out of the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee on June 27, 2006. TAKE ACTION

June 7, 2006

Fresno Chamber-OPPOSED Proposition 82, The Two Billon Dollar Tax Increase FAILS


On June 6, 2006, voters sent a strong message when they overwhelmingly rejected the Fresno Chamber-OPPOSED Proposition 82 by a 20 point margin (60.9% of the voters opposed while only 39.1% were in support). Voters clearly support the benefits of preschool, but believe Proposition 82 was the wrong approach for expanding preschool opportunities to our children, and it is not good policy to raise $2.4 billion in new taxes to create a massive new state bureaucracy. more

June 5, 2006

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley Gutted


In spite of being one of the fastest growing regions in the State, the hopes of the Central Valley getting its needs addressed by Sacramento got dashed last week as a legislative conference committee at the State Capitol gutted the 5 million dollars Governor Schwarzenegger proposed for the Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley
...TAKE ACTION!

June 4, 2006

Business Community Stands AGAINST Tuesday, June 6th Ballot Initiative:

OPPOSE Proposition 82,

Two Billon Dollar Tax Increase


Proposition 82 (the Preschool for All Act) is being promoted heavily months before the election in June. At the core is the intent to create a constitutional entitlement by circumventing the lawmaking process. Proposed funding will come from a 1.7% income tax increase for those making over $400,000 ($800,000 for couples). Consider the facts...<click here for more

June 2, 2006

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Ask Fresno State Senator Dean Florez to Oppose SB 1162 Minimum Wage Increase Proposal

 

SB 1162 increases the cost of doing business by raising the state minimum wage to $7.25 after 60 days of enactment and to $7.75 as of July 1, 2007, and indexing the wage rate thereafter, giving California the highest minimum wage rate in the nation. SB 1162 would increase both public and private employer wage costs by at least $2.08 billion annually, raising costs to consumers and driving employers who cannot afford to pay for the increases to other states.

<click here to TAKE ACTION!

May 24, 2006

Fresno Chamber Calls on Congress to Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform

 

The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes that our immigration system is broken. To fix it, a comprehensive approach is needed... more

May 24, 2006

Fresno Chamber Opposes Living Wage Proposals


The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce opposes the consideration of a living wage ordinance in the city of Fresno based on the fact the Chamber opposes mandated wages by the government, and the estimated impact it will have on the greater business community.
more

May 24, 2006

Fresno Chamber Supports Effort to Clean Up Graffiti


The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce conceptually SUPPORTS the City’s ordinance to take the authority to clean up graffiti on businesses because it has been identified as a very important issue to our business members, and it promotes business attraction and retention by forcing our city to take care of how it looks.
more

May 19, 2006

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Support Securing Homeland Security By Upgrading 144th Fighter Wing Aircraft

 

The 144th Fighter Wing provides support for counter drug enforcement, natural disasters, civil unrest and community assistance in the state of California. Following September 11, 2001, the Wing provided forces for Operation Aerosafe, guarding our local airports. TAKE ACTION!

May 3, 2006

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Lower Health Care Costs, Submit A Letter of Support On Federal Small Business Health Plans

 

Small business health plans (SBHPs) would give small businesses the market leverage and economies of scale that major corporations have when buying health insurance by letting them purchase health insurance through existing business and trade associations. <click here to TAKE ACTION

April 18, 2006

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Support Two Fresno Chamber Supported Pro-Jobs Legislative Proposals:

 

AB 2217 gives employers and employees flexibility with work schedules and AB 2277 requires workplace posting to be written in plain language. <click here to TAKE ACTION

March 23, 2006

Fresno Can Not Afford Higher Fuel Prices!

Fresno Chamber Opposes Effort to Secure Gas Tax Proposition for November 2006 Ballot


The Fresno Chamber is opposing the effort to secure the Oil Severance Tax Initiative for the November 2006 ballot. This proposed initiative establishes a program intended to reduce oil and gasoline use, with research and production incentives for alternative energy, alternative fuel vehicles, energy efficient technologies, and for education and training.
<click here for more

March 10, 2006

United States Chamber Announces California Issue Advocacy Program

 

The United States Chamber of Commerce today began an independent issue advocacy program to inform Californians of recent improvements in the state's business climate and the steps that must follow to create a more competitive economy. <Click here for more

March 2006

Fresno Chamber Takes The Lead: Announces its 2006 Legislative Priorities for the Fresno Business Community

 

Each year, the Fresno Chamber's public policy committee develops its legislative priorities. Each of the legislative priorities serve as the foundation for the Fresno Chamber's continuing effort...<click here for more

February 2006

Business Community Stands AGAINST Billon Dollar Tax Increase

 

The Preschool for All Act changes the state Constitution by creating a new $2.7 billion program. It imposes a 1.7% increase on taxpayers who earn more than $400,000 ($800,000 for couples) <click here for more

February 2006

Fresno Chamber Reviews Economic Impact of Mayor's Proposed Municipal Restoration Zone Plan

 

Fresno Mayor Autry has announced the creation of a “Municipal Restoration Zone” (MRZ). The MRZ will overlay the already highly successful Federal Empowerment Zone and the State administered Enterprise Zone with additional financial and job creation opportunities for new and existing businesses within the Urban Core...<click here for more

March 10, 2006

Fresno Chamber's Proactive Approach to Representing Business With Government
 

The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce (Fresno Chamber) continues its “call to action” by representing the interests of businesses with the addition of an ambitious government affairs program. The Fresno Chamber is developing and implementing a government affairs program complete with mission and vision statements, goals, and long term strategies...

<click here for more

March 2006

Fresno Chamber Evaluates Economic Impact of Campus Pointe Center Project

 

Fresno State University is looking to build a Campus Pointe Center on the Clovis-Fresno border, going in next to the Save Mart Center at Highway 168, which has arrived as a partnership between Fresno State and private investors. Campus Pointe will include a 240-room hotel, 180 units of senior housing and 342 apartment units...

<click here for more

February 2006

Workers' Compensation Reform Under Attack

 

The Fresno Chamber and the Workers' Compensation Reform Network (a statewide coalition) are working to ensure that the 2004 legislative gains in workers’ compensation are protected

<click here for more

February 2006

Fresno Chamber Evaluates Long Term Economic Impacts of Governor’s 2006 Strategic Growth Plan

 

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered his annual State of the State address on January 5, 2006 proposing a comprehensive Strategic Growth Plan to invest in California's transportation, education, water, public safety and public service infrastructure. <click here for more

© Copyright 2006 Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. All Rights reserved.
2331 Fresno Street Fresno, California 93721 | Phone
(559) 495-4818 | Fax 559-495-4811 | EMAIL