Blogs of the LA Area Chamber

In his January budget, Gov. Brown proposed a new funding formula for California's Community Colleges. The proposed "Student-Focused Funding Formula" would change the way community colleges are funded, from an enrollment-driven funding model, to one that takes into account the success of students in completing their educational goals. This outcomes-based formula reflects a long-standing Chamber priority to utilize funding incentives to improve student retention and the completion of degrees, credentials and transfer requirements.

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Six weeks from today, California will hold the statewide June primary election. Voters will select candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Controller, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Insurance Commissioner and Superintendent of Public Instruction. Five statewide propositions will be on the ballot, as well as a U.S Senate seat, Congressional seats, state Senate and Assembly races, Board of Equalization districts and countywide office holders like Sheriff and Assessor.

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Half a million direct jobs. Nearly 600 million tons of freight annually valued at $1.7 trillion. A 55 percent increase in warehouse jobs in the last decade. These numbers from a 2017 LAEDC report are a snapshot into the importance of the goods movement industry in Southern California. From the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, through the heart of L.A. and Orange counties, and deep into the Inland Empire, the jobs associated with international trade and e-commerce sustain more than one-half million families in our region. And the number is growing.

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Last week, two bold steps were taken that will positively affect Los Angeles and Southern California for decades. The Chamber was a proud champion of both.

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Not since the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into force on Jan. 1, 1994 has international trade been in the national news on a daily basis. The U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer elected to cancel the last NAFTA roundtable renegotiations scheduled to take place this week, instead he call to have a series of ministerial meetings on the agreement. Along with the tariffs on imports being proposed by the U.S. and China, this is an appropriate time to remind Southern Californians about the huge importance of international trade to our local economy.

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In today’s increasingly competitive economy, every projection shows that California is not on track to produce the skilled workforce we need to fulfill future economic demands. By 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the U.S. will require some level of postsecondary education and training. The Public Policy Institute (PPIC) estimates that California will face a shortage of 1.1 million workers with a bachelor’s degree by 2030. 

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Last Friday, the Los Angeles City Council Rules Committee voted to oppose one of the best opportunities the State has to address our housing supply and affordability crisis. SB 827, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, would increase density in transit-rich areas, allowing four to eight story residential buildings in appropriate areas throughout the State. This bill would expand housing opportunities for our families, growing workforce and first-time homebuyers.

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Last week, 160 business, non-profit and elected leaders traveled to D.C. for our annual advocacy trip. Twelve teams spanning a wide-variety of issues that impact the Southern California economy met with seven Cabinet departments, the Vice President's office and dozens of Congressional and Senate offices.

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Today, 160 business and civic leaders are in Washington, D.C. for the region’s annual ACCESS Washington, D.C. trip. The delegation will meet with dozens of members of Congress and the Administration about issues that are important to our economy and our quality of life.  Here is our advocacy agenda.

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Last Thursday, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) voted to invest $1 billion in early action projects and a clean technology fund to improve congestion and air quality on the 710 Freeway between Long Beach and the 60 Freeway. Early action projects and their timing will be identified in the spring and include improvements like a truck by-pass lane at the 405 & 710 interchange, updated ramps for 24 streets along the corridor, modernized interchanges and a clean technology fund. The Metro Board did not include the addition of two new lanes as recommended by Metro staff and urged by the business community. That authorization will require a future vote for approval, but last week’s action was a step forward.

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