By: Ryan Guitare
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce has voted to oppose Proposition 32, a ballot measure that would increase California’s minimum wage to $18 an hour, which Californians will vote on in November. The opposition is led by three major employers’ groups: the Chamber of Commerce, the California Grocers Association, and the California Restaurant Association.
Jennifer Barrera, CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the potential impact on the cost of living, stating, “There is a heightened sensitivity to the impact of increasing these labor costs on businesses and what that ultimately does for the cost of living. Our belief is that the cost of living is directly impacted when you raise these costs on businesses.”
The Torrance Chamber Government Affairs Policy (GAP) opposes Proposition 32 due to the significant financial impact it would have on small businesses, which are less able to absorb the additional costs. The measure could also reduce job opportunities and working hours for employees, particularly those with limited training or new to the workforce. These potential impacts were discussed during a recent GAP meeting, with particular concern about the financial strain Proposition 32 could place on employers in the Torrance area.
