Blogs of the LA Area Chamber

Honoring Dr. Michelle King

Maria S. Salinas on February 6, 2019 at 7:55:00 pm
Posted in The Business Perspective

Last week, Los Angeles lost one of its great leaders with the passing of Dr. Michelle King, former superintendent of LAUSD. While I didn’t know Dr. King, I knew of her outstanding reputation and impact on our schools. Our Executive Vice President, David Rattray, shares a few words.

Leading the Way

Maria S. Salinas on January 31, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

This evening, the Chamber will host its 131^stInaugural Dinner. The night is about celebrating leadership – the new leadership of the Chamber, the outstanding leadership of our honorees and the leadership that will be required to drive this region to a bold new future.

The Affordable Care Act – Could This Be the Final Challenge?

John Baackes, CEO, L.A. Care Health Plan on January 31, 2019 at 7:00:00 am
Posted in Health Care Waiting Room

Over the years, Congress has attempted to the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) more than 70 times, with no success. Recently a federal judge in Texas put access to care for millions of Americans in jeopardy as a result of Congressional action related to a specific portion of the ACA. The judge ruled that when Congress eliminated the financial penalty associated with the individual mandate, which required all Americans to sign up for some form of insurance, it made the landmark law unconstitutional. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have filed an appeal of the Texas ruling, and the matter is expected to ultimately reach the Supreme Court.

Volunteers Doing Their Part

Maria S. Salinas on January 24, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

I’ve been in awe of the work of so many volunteers working on the homeless count these past couple of days. Today, I met with one of our civic leaders from the L.A. County Registrar-Recorder’s office, who shared his volunteer experience in the Southeast cities and his passion for doing his part.

A Sense of Urgency

Maria S. Salinas on January 17, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

With every passing day, the disruption of the teachers' strike, resulting from the break down in negotiations between LAUSD and UTLA, has a ripple effect across our region. However, it is the impact on our school children that is most concerning. As a mother, I know that our youngest learners need the routine of their teacher in the classroom. Our students are losing every day that this strike goes on.

Renewing the California Dream

Maria S. Salinas on January 11, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

Happy New Year! For me, the start to 2019 included being present for the transition of power in our great state. I joined several Angelenos in attending Gov. Newsom's swearing in ceremony earlier this week. The threat of rain didn't stop thousands from coming out, and it didn't put a damper on the excitement of the crowd as we watched the now Governor take his place as the 40th to lead the Golden State.

Public Charge and Employee Health

A joint blog by L.A. Care Health Plan and Health Net on December 20, 2018 at 7:00:00 am
Posted in Health Care Waiting Room

The term Public Charge has received quite a few headlines in the past few months, but many in the business community may not have fully absorbed what impact changes to the longstanding federal policy could have on the health of the workforce. Many health care experts fear adverse health outcomes for workers and their families if proposed changes are implemented.

Building an Inclusive Economy with an Inclusive Workforce

Maria S. Salinas on December 13, 2018 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

For years, the Chamber has been involved in bold efforts to expand workforce opportunities, including the reintegration of young adults with previous criminal justice involvement. The Chamber has a history of bringing issues like this to the forefront because of the economic impact to our business community.

Regional Collaboration on Business Recovery in the Aftermath of the Wildfires

Maria S. Salinas on November 29, 2018 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

As our region and the entire state still reel from the Hill, Woolsey and Camp fires – the deadliest and most destructive in our history, people throughout California are working on the long-term recovery efforts. The L.A. Area Chamber has been at the center of meeting with partners and providing information to our impacted communities.

Poverty and Public Health

John Baackes, CEO, L.A. Care Health Plan on November 29, 2018 at 7:00:00 am
Posted in Health Care Waiting Room

We are officially in the season of giving – a time of joy. But for those who are simply trying to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, it is a time of high stress. Maybe it’s a time for all of us to give some thought to why so many in this country have so little.