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GOVERNOR SIGNS CHAMBER-SUPPORTED PENSION REFORM
The Chamber applauds Gov. Jerry Brown for signing a bipartisan pension reform bill, AB 340 (Furutani) on Wednesday. The legislation will save billions of taxpayer dollars through the capping of benefits, will increase the retirement age and require state employees to pay at least half of their pension costs. The Chamber has been a strong proponent for State pension reform. Contact Ruben Gonzalez, 213.580.7568. Photo courtesy of Assembly Speaker John Perez's office.
Chamber hosts fourth annual The Americas Business Forum
 More than 200 local business leaders gathered Wednesday at the Chamber's fourth annual The Americas Business Forum – Creating Jobs Through Exports event at the University of California, Los Angeles. Senior commercial officers stationed at U.S. embassies in the Western Hemisphere discussed export opportunities in Canada, Mexico and Latin America. "In this period of globalization, there is massive integration going on in this world — there are enormous opportunities to deepen our relationships here in the Americas," said Ambassador Charles Ford, U.S. Commerce assistant secretary and director general (above). "When you look at Latin America, don't look in the rear view mirror, look forward, there's a lot going on over there." Contact Carlos J. Valderrama, 213.580.7570.
Chamber takes positions on November ballot initiatives
 Today the Chamber’s Board of Directors took up a number of the propositions on the November statewide ballot. The Board voted to support Propositions 35 and 36, and to oppose Propositions 37, 38 and 39. After discussion and debate, Propositions 30 and 32 failed to reach the 60 percent necessary by Chamber by-laws to formalize a support or oppose position. At an earlier meeting, the Board voted to support Propositions 31 and 40 as well. View the Chamber's positions on all November ballot initiatives. Contact Ruben Gonzalez, 213.580.7568.
Statewide priority enrollment policies established for community college students
 On Monday, the California Community College Board of Governors approved historic, system-wide registration policies that favor students who declare an education plan, and complete an orientation and assessment. The proposed changes will make it easier for students to reach their educational goals, improve college completion rates and expedite a net return on California's investment in their education. These changes were a result of recommendations from the statewide Student Success Task Force, formed in part by Chamber-sponsored SB 1143. The Chamber has advocated for dramatic changes in community college policies that will lead to improved student success. Contact Alma Salazar, 213.580.7566.
Coalition sends message to Congress to protect jobs
 The Chamber joined business, labor and other civic organizations in sending a letter to Federal lawmakers calling for the protection of jobs that will be affected by the $1.2 trillion in federal spending cuts (sequestration) set for Jan. 2, 2013. The coalition is urging Congress to pass legislation to avert the fiscal year 2013 sequestration cuts to defense and social service and for Congress to find a balanced, bipartisan and long-term budget compromise that protects California and the nation going forward. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.
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