L.A. Area Chamber Releases Statement in Response to Governor Newsom’s Public Safety Plan

by L.A. Area Chamber

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 18, 2023) — The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement responding to Governor Gavin Newsom announcing more than $267 million to combat retail theft in 55 cities and counties across the state. The plan will provide $15.6 million each to both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to hire more police, make more arrests, and secure more felony charges against suspects.

“Retail crime is a threat to our communities. Not only does it hurt businesses — it puts employees, shoppers and the public in danger. We commend the Governor’s action to secure funding to increase arrests and prosecutions for organized retail crime. Between this funding and the newly formed regional retail theft task force, Los Angeles area businesses, including our small business owners, can feel confident in the efforts being taken to protect their employees, customers, and their storefronts,” stated Maria S. Salinas, President and CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

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About the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of a broad spectrum of organizations across the private, non-profit, academic, and public sectors, including the business community, job creators, and innovators in the Los Angeles region. Our mission is to design and advance opportunities and solutions for a thriving regional economy that is inclusive and globally competitive. As the oldest and largest business association in the region, the Chamber has a long-standing history of convening business leaders, communities, and policy makers to promote a vibrant economy.