The Business Perspective

I am often asked by the media what elected officials can do to be more business-friendly and create new jobs. I tell them about California business regulations and taxes that do not exist in other states. I also talk about streamlined processes and tax credits that do exist in other states.

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With the steady news coverage about Mayor Garcetti’s minimum wage proposal for the City of Los Angeles, two important stories stood in the shadows. The first is that the California economy is improving; and the second is that there are still thousands of unemployed Californians, especially in L.A. County. 

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I wish I could say I was surprised. I wish I could say that this is a new frustration. In reality it is just the same old song we keep hearing from public employee unions. More than a year ago, Gov. Jerry Brown and the legislature showed leadership by making some moderate changes to the State’s pension systems.

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As we enter the start of football season, I always look forward to watching a team march down the field with pinpoint passes and well executed running plays to score the winning touchdown with seconds left on the clock. This scenario acts as an effective metaphor for AB 1839 – The Film and Television Tax Credit program which will grow middle class jobs in California. 

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Two weeks ago the headlines in Los Angeles included a Department of Water & Power water line failure in West L.A. and a ruling by the Employee Relations Board to overturn the creation of a new pension tier for future city employees. The juxtaposition of these two stories points out the tug of war taking place in the City of Los Angeles today. With our limited tax dollars, do we prioritize salaries and pensions or maintenance and services?

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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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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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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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