Blogs of the LA Area Chamber

Gov. Jerry Brown’s Trade Mission to Mexico last week sent the right message to business leaders in Mexico and California. Mexico is California’s largest export market and businesses know how important it is to take care of your largest customers. Gov. Brown and his 130-member delegation were warmly received by Mexican elected officials and business leaders at every event during the four-day visit.  

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Even though the cost of prescription drugs has plummeted for many Americans, a small slice of the population is being asked to shoulder more and more of the cost of expensive treatments for diseases like cancer and hepatitis C. Rare and often more serious diseases requiring specialty drugs can come with breathtaking price tags, according to a report by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. On average, the monthly price tag for a specialty drug is $2,000, which is 10 times greater than the price tags for non-specialty medication. The high monthly price tags for these drugs (and the long-term treatment that is required for serious diseases) can put severe financial hardships on affected individuals. 

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Two weeks ago, State officials approved an emergency regulation imposing $500 fines on water users who violate mandatory conservation measures. With 80 percent of the State now in extreme drought, it's imperative that we all conserve as much water as possible. Visit SoCal WaterSmart to find out what water conservation programs are available for your home and business. 

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In 2009 when the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles to end chronic and veteran homelessness in L.A. County, most people either ignored the announcement or thought we were crazy. Los Angeles was the homeless capital of the United States and it would always be that way.  

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Recently, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 1446, allowing small group employers with a health insurance plan that was in effect on Dec. 31, 2013, and still in effect as of the passage of the bill, to renew their current health plan, even if it does not meet certain requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This means that some small group employers now have the option of keeping their current 2013 non-ACA-compliant, non-grandfathered plans for one more year. The extended transitional period will give small employers more time to prepare to bear the costs associated with plans that fully comply with the ACA, and more time to consider their choices while moving into the new world of health insurance.   

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In two weeks, on Tuesday, July 29, state and federal officials will officially close the comment period on a water infrastructure project that will impact Southern California forever. The Chamber submitted its letter on May 6 and we need all of our members to send their comments as well.   

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The initial deadline for reaching agreement on a new labor contract governing America's 29 West Coast ports passed a week ago today and the uncertainty of negotiations has many businesses in Southern California worried. That is why the Chamber has joined with many other U.S. business organizations in encouraging the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) to make every attempt to conclude a new agreement as quickly as possible.

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As our country celebrates its 238th birthday this Friday, we look back in appreciation of the brave men and women who shaped our country and sacrificed to preserve the ideals of our democracy, one of which is the ability for Americans to vote in secret ballot.

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In last week’s blog post, we shared an overview of cost drivers in the health care system. This week, we would like to share three strategies to consider to begin driving down health care costs for small employers.

Providing health coverage has numerous benefits for you as a small business owner. It can help you attract and retain good employees. But even more important, it can help you maintain a healthy workforce, which is critical to the future success of your business.

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Last week, Supervisor Don Knabe announced L.A. County’s $24 million commitment to LA Youth Jobs “Earn & Learn” summer youth employment. This investment will enable 12,000 young adults ages 14-21 to develop work readiness skills and gain exposure to careers while earning wages. Each youth will earn about $1,100 and also receive special training in financial literacy.

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