Jobs Will Keep Our State Golden

by Webmaster

Jobs Will Keep Our State Golden

The end to the months-long budget stalemate wasn't pretty, but it does provide a sense of relief for business. Even though cuts to education and our safety net are severe, having a budget in place puts an end to IOUs, renews the state's ability to borrow and bond, and does not raise taxes. Unfortunately, California's budget fiasco will be repeated if the state's economy does not improve. That's why JOBS must be the focus of this month-long legislative recess.

State lawmakers spend August in their home districts, but the L.A. Area Chamber recommends that each of them hold meetings with their local governments, labor leaders and business groups to explore answers to a simple question, "What can the legislature do immediately to help grow the private sector, create jobs and fuel the economy?"

Two answers will surely be given by all groups to proactively move California out of the recession, rather than just waiting until the global economy recovers:

• Aggressively pursue federal stimulus dollars
• Immediately begin work on shovel-ready infrastructure projects

Passing SB 696 is the single-largest job creation bill in Sacramento and must be at the very top of the agenda for every state lawmaker. SB 696 will save an estimated 65,000 jobs and create thousands more by unfreezing up to 3,100 permits for projects ranging from hospitals to fire stations to clean technology upgrades at dry cleaners, food manufacturing and businesses across our region. Unless state lawmakers make bills like SB 696 a priority, California will have another repeat bloodletting on the state budget within six months.

Fixing our economy also requires a full analysis of workplace regulations that keep many businesses and employees from designing flexible schedules to meet the needs of employees and their families. California's confusing meal and rest period rules are fertile ground for expensive, unnecessary lawsuits. The state's restrictions on flexible workweek scheduling for hourly employees makes it difficult for full-time employees to schedule time for school, family and personal pursuits. These updates are critical to recognizing the needs of a 21st century workforce and making California more competitive.

Finally, the Commission on the 21st Century Economy is wrapping up its work on how to modernize the state's boom-and-bust tax system. Their recommendations are expected to go to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the state Legislature in September. No one will be 100 percent satisfied with the proposal, but not acting on the recommendations will make it 100 percent certain that our state's budget woes will continue.

I am tired of reading and hearing negative media reports about how the Golden State is losing its economic edge. Let's focus all of our efforts on economic growth during the next five months and show the world that California has not lost its will or its ability to lead. Gov. Schwarzenegger likes to say, "I'll be Back!" Wouldn't it be nice if we could all join in the chorus?

And that's The Business Perspective.