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The Business Perspective
How to Send Texas and Other States Back Home
Gary Toebben on March 15, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
The recent headline, "Texas isn't rustling from State" in the Los Angeles Times implies that few California companies are picking up and moving their operations from California to Texas. That's good news, but it is not the end of the story and it does not indicate that California can rest on its massive assets and assume that the world will beat a path to our door.
In any given year, very few corporations relocate their headquarters or major operations to another state. Corporate boards and CEO's in California and elsewhere try every strategy possible before undertaking the costly and dramatic decision of moving to another state. Business CEOs are particularly concerned about the possible loss of existing employees and the value that these employees bring to the company.
In any given year, very few corporations relocate their headquarters or major operations to another state. Corporate boards and CEO's in California and elsewhere try every strategy possible before undertaking the costly and dramatic decision of moving to another state. Business CEOs are particularly concerned about the possible loss of existing employees and the value that these employees bring to the company.
What Happens When City Retirees Outnumber City Employees?
Gary Toebben on March 8, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
Today is Election Day and we encourage all registered voters to go to the polls. Tomorrow, we encourage those same registered voters to vigorously press on incumbents and newly-elected office holders that reducing the publics' cost of pensions and health care for retirees should be the top priority in balancing the 2011-12 budgets that will go into effect on July 1, 2011.
In the City of Los Angeles, the budget deficit for 2011-12 begins at $350 million fueled in large part by the rapidly growing cost of pensions and health care for retirees. Last week, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called for two significant reforms to keep the problem from getting worse. He called for raising the retirement age for non-sworn city employees to 65 and he urged the members of the Fire and Police Pensions Board to reject a 7 percent increase in the health care subsidy given to public safety retirees. The current health care subsidy for fire and police retirees is $1,025 per month and the 7 percent monthly increase would add another $4.8 million dollars to the City's budget deficit. The Chamber and other business and community organizations joined the mayor in support of both proposals ....
In the City of Los Angeles, the budget deficit for 2011-12 begins at $350 million fueled in large part by the rapidly growing cost of pensions and health care for retirees. Last week, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called for two significant reforms to keep the problem from getting worse. He called for raising the retirement age for non-sworn city employees to 65 and he urged the members of the Fire and Police Pensions Board to reject a 7 percent increase in the health care subsidy given to public safety retirees. The current health care subsidy for fire and police retirees is $1,025 per month and the 7 percent monthly increase would add another $4.8 million dollars to the City's budget deficit. The Chamber and other business and community organizations joined the mayor in support of both proposals ....
Chamber Supports Gov. Brown's Proposal for a Special Election in June on the State Budget
Gary Toebben on February 28, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
As you may have read, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce announced Friday at a news conference its endorsement of Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal to hold a special election ...
Business and Labor Join Together on Important Issues
Gary Toebben on February 22, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
It wasn't an illusion. Last week, the presidents of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AFL-CIO appeared before Congress together — on the same side. U.S. Chamber President ...
A Message to the City of Los Angeles: Pension and Health Benefit Reform Now or Bust
Gary Toebben on February 15, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
Last week, the City of Los Angeles received $50 million in bad news. No bidders are interested in leasing and operating nine city-owned parking garages. That lost revenue is ...
L.A. Unified Board Candidates will Build on Strong Foundation
Webmaster on February 8, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
L.A. voters will have a powerful choice on March 8 when voting for the members of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education. The results of this ...
California Needs A Sound Budget ... Today
Gary Toebben on February 1, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
Time is ticking down on California's budget clock. In his State of the State address yesterday, Gov. Jerry Brown made it clear that "job number one — make no mistake about ...
An Opportunity for Regulatory Reform
Gary Toebben on January 24, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
An Opportunity for Regulatory Reform
Last week, President Obama and State Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg both called for removing government regulations that ...
International Visitors Boost L.A. Economy
Webmaster on January 18, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
International Visitors Boost L.A. Economy
L.A.'s tourism industry is back on track thanks to international visitors. 4.5 million foreign tourists visited Los Angeles last ...
Deasy – A Strong New Leader for L.A. Schools
Webmaster on January 11, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
Los Angeles and the state of California have never faced a more serious challenge regarding our education system. With our flat global economy, the success of our students has never been more important. Dramatic improvements to our education system must be made.
Last century, the United States had the highest college enrollment rate in the world, but by 2008 our standing had fallen to No. 16. Here in California, for the first time in our history, the current generation is expected to be less educated than its predecessor. Major cutbacks signaled this week in Gov. Jerry Brown's budget add to the challenges local school officials face. This collection of issues calls for outstanding leadership. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education displayed that leadership this morning when it announced its decision to select John Deasy as the district's next superintendent.
Last century, the United States had the highest college enrollment rate in the world, but by 2008 our standing had fallen to No. 16. Here in California, for the first time in our history, the current generation is expected to be less educated than its predecessor. Major cutbacks signaled this week in Gov. Jerry Brown's budget add to the challenges local school officials face. This collection of issues calls for outstanding leadership. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education displayed that leadership this morning when it announced its decision to select John Deasy as the district's next superintendent.