Final Days of the State Legislative Session
This week marks the final week of the 2024 California State Legislative session, with adjournment scheduled for August 31. Governor Gavin Newsom will have until September 30 to decide on all the measures on his desk. The Chamber is closely monitoring nearly 50 priority bills in this final week. Stay tuned for updates detailing the outcomes of the Chamber-supported and opposed bills from this session. For more information review our Policy Updates.
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Chamber Opposes Restrictive Warehouse Bill
The Chamber voiced opposition to Assembly Bill 98, introduced by Assemblymembers Juan Carrillo and Eloise Reyes, which would impose severe restrictions on warehouse and logistics centers, significantly harming California’s economy. The legislation would require warehouses built after 2026 to have a 300 ft. buffer from places like schools, parks and hospitals. The bill would strip local control, limit land use flexibility, impose unrealistic economic and infrastructure burdens, and could lead to counterproductive environmental outcomes. The Chamber believes the lack of a sunset clause, the negative impacts on affordable housing, and potential job losses, poses an additional reason for concern regarding AB 98.
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Latina's Contributed $1.3 Trillion to the GDP
The U.S. Latina GDP Report, funded by Bank of America, is the first research of its kind on the significant and rapidly growing economic contributions of the nation's Hispanic female population. The recently released findings indicate that U.S. Hispanic women contributed $1.3 trillion to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021, representing over 50% growth in the past decade. The report also found that U.S. Latina GDP grew at 2.7 times the rate of non-Hispanic GDP between 2010 and 2021. Today, the Latina GDP is larger than the entire economy of the state of Florida. Read the full report here.
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L.A. Jobs PAC Endorses Nathan Hochman
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s L.A. Jobs PAC has endorsed Nathan Hochman for Los Angeles County District Attorney. This decision underscores the need for strong leadership to address public safety and justice concerns. The endorsement highlights the business community’s concern about crime's impact on economic growth and job creation.
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Update on State Priority Legislation
On August 28, SB 1047: Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Systems Act (Weiner) passed the Assembly floor with a vote of 41-9 and returns to the Senate floor for a concurrence vote. The Chamber stands in firm opposition to this bill, as it sets unreasonable safety incident reporting requirements that are vague and deter open-source development.
Additional Legislative Updates:
AB 1885 (Addis): Student Success Completion Grant - Support. Ordered to special consent calendar.
SB 895 (Roth): Community College Baccalaureate Program - Support. Ordered to third reading.
SB 26 (Umberg): Mental Health Professions CARE Scholarship - Support. Ordered to third reading.
AB 1788 (Quirk Silvas): Mental Health Multidisciplinary Personnel Team - Support. Ordered to third reading.
SB 966 (Wiener): Pharmacy Benefits - Oppose. Ordered to third reading.
SB 1246 (Limon): Prompt Payment Act - Support. Ordered to third reading.
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City Council Hearing on Proposed Fee Increases that Impact Businesses
This week, the Los Angeles City Council heard public comments on two proposed fee increases that would affect the cost of doing business in the city. The first is a sewer service charge set to double over the next four years, raising the average single-family unit fee from $75.40 to $92.04 in October 2024 and to $155.48 by July 2028. The second is an increase in police permit fees starting in 2025, expected to generate $5.23 million to cover service costs. While the Chamber acknowledges the need for essential services, it also calls on city leadership to reduce fees and barriers for businesses. The Chamber will continue to monitor these developments and keep members informed.
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Chamber Welcomes Representatives of Brussels Airport
The Consul General of Belgium, Ms. Sophie Hottat, hosted a dinner with representatives from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, L.A. County Economic Development Corporation, the Port of Los Angeles, and the City of Los Angeles to welcome an executive delegation from the Brussels Airport. The primary objective of the meeting was to discuss the potential for establishing a direct flight route between Brussels and Los Angeles.
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Small Business Training
The Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) is a free resource designed to empower L.A. County small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits to build lasting wealth in their communities. In partnership with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, EMI offers tailored support through the OneLA Inclusive Procurement program, providing training in contracts and certifications. This initiative serves as a comprehensive hub for the resources you need to grow your business. Visit here more information.
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The Los Angeles Community College District: Small Contractor Boot Camp
Don't miss this exclusive webinar on leveraging government contracting opportunities for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics and other major events. Learn how to position your business for success and secure valuable contracts. Sign up now for insider tips to help elevate your business! Register here.
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Metro Wallet Pilot Program
The City of Los Angeles and Metro are offering L.A. County residents the chance to join the Mobility Wallet Pilot Program. Selected participants will receive a prepaid debit card loaded with up to $1,800 for eligible transportation needs over the course of a year. With only 2,000 spots available, apply by the August 31 deadline. Sign up here.
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Chamber Reception at NFL’s West Coast Headquarters
If you missed the Chamber's exclusive reception at the NFL's stunning West Coast headquarters in Inglewood, relive the excitement and visit our event photo gallery. Thank you to David Jurenka, Senior Vice President at NFL Media & General Manager at NFL West, Alissa Lieppman, Vice President of Culture & Business Operations, and City of Inglewood Mayor James Butts who shared remarks and reflected on the NFL's strong commitment to the region and the community.
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Congratulations to Our Newest Centennial Club Member - US Bank
Congratulations to US Bank on joining the Chamber's Centennial Club! We are proud to celebrate your 100th year as a member of the L.A. Area Chamber and appreciate your commitment to the Los Angeles region. Here’s to many more years of success together.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Government & Fiscal Affairs Council
Tuesday, September 3, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Government and Fiscal Affairs (GFA) Policy Council to hear from Fernando Guerra, the founding director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at LMU, and Jose Cornejo, with Cornejo Strategies, on local ballot initiatives that have qualified for the November election. Learn about governance reform proposals from both the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County.
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Ad Hoc on Homelessness Committee
Tuesday, September 10, 9:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Ad Hoc on Homelessness Committee for a special session on legislative updates impacting the business and housing community.
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Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, September 19, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the next Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series featuring Assemblymember for California District 61, Tina McKinnor.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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