The California legislature is back in session today after a month-long summer recess period. Over the next few weeks, state elected officials will make final determinations on a multitude of bills the Torrance Chamber has deemed bad for the Torrance business community. Notable bills under consideration include: a minimum wage increase to $13.25/hr and an annual increase according to inflation thereafter (SB 3), an arbitrary 50 percent reduction mandate for petroleum usage in vehicles that will substantially increase energy costs (SB 350), and an attack on arbitration agreements in employment contracts (AB 465).
Call to Action!
Notify your elected representatives on these critical issues:
OPPOSE SB 3 (Leno; D- San Francisco) Minimum Wage: Annual Adjustment. Minimum Wage Increase – Unfairly imposes an automatic $3.00 increase in minimum wage over the next two and a half years, and thereafter ties it to inflation, that will continue to increase costs on employers of all sizes, regardless of other economic factors or costs that California employers are struggling with to sustain their business. Take Action.
OPPOSE SB 350 (de León; D-Los Angeles) JOB KILLER: Costly and Burdensome Regulations — Potentially increases costs and burdens on all Californians by mandating an arbitrary and unrealistic reduction of petroleum use by 50%, increasing the current Renewable Portfolio Standard to 50% and increasing energy efficiency in buildings by 50% — all by 2030 without regard to the impact on individuals, jobs and the economy. Take Action.
OPPOSE AB 465 (Hernández; D-West Covina) JOB KILLER: Increased Litigation— Significantly drives up litigation costs for all California employers as well as increases pressure on the already-overburdened judicial system by precluding mandatory employment arbitration agreements, which is likely pre-empted by the Federal Arbitration Act. Assembly Floor. Take Action.
Note: “Call to Action” platform provided by the California Chamber of Commerce.
by Brandon Matson
Brandon is the Governmental Affairs Coordinator for the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. His primary responsibilities include facilitating the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Policy (GAP) group, planning Chamber events with legislators, and facilitating the Chamber's Political Action Committee (PAC). Feel free to contact him at any time.
