Governor Calls Special Legislative Session About Rising Gas Prices
Governor Gavin Newsom has called lawmakers back for a special session to address gas prices. Although the Senate leader announced that the Senate would not participate in this session, the Assembly has formed a policy committee to handle the proposed legislation. This committee is chaired by Cottie Petrie-Norris, with Jim Patterson serving as Vice Chair. So far, two bills have been introduced:
- AB 1xx (Hart and Aguiar-Curry) – a reintroduction of SB 950 (Skinner) from the regular session.
- AB 2xx (Lackey) – proposing the suspension of the gas tax.
Hearings are expected to begin next week. The Chamber will track developments in this special session and keep our members informed.
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Chamber Urges Governor to Veto Warehouse Bill AB 98
In a letter to Governor Newsom, the Chamber joined business and industry groups across Southern California in opposing the deeply flawed warehouse bill, AB 98, which was introduced in the final days of California’s legislative session. Despite widespread opposition, the bill passed both houses and now awaits the Governor’s decision. The business community has expressed concerns about its potential economic impact, warning that it could harm not only the regional economy but also the state’s global competitiveness. This legislation risks stifling economic growth and deterring investment in critical infrastructure. Read the Chamber's letter here.
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Chamber Participates in NAWBO L.A. Business Summit
Chamber President & CEO, Maria S. Salinas, participated in a panel discussion on winning strategies for women entrepreneurs at the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Los Angeles Business Summit on August 30 at SoFi Stadium. This half-day event provided women entrepreneurs with essential tools, knowledge, and inspiration for success. Attendees engaged in interactive workshops, heard from inspiring speakers, enjoyed networking opportunities and toured SoFi Stadium.
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Federal Funding Secured for East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project
Metro has signed the Full Funding Grant Agreement with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the East San Fernando Valley (ESFV) Light Rail Project, making it the first transit project in the country to be funded through the FTA’s Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program. The ESFV Light Rail Transit Project will bring tangible mobility benefits to historically underserved communities in areas of persistent poverty in the eastern San Fernando Valley. Senator Alex Padilla and Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins were present to celebrate this milestone. Learn more here.
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Chamber Tracks Priority Bills
On August 31, the California State Legislature concluded its legislative session. Governor Gavin Newsom has until September 30 to act on the measures before him. Here is an update on the Chamber's high-priority bills:
- SB 1047 (Wiener): Chamber opposed – currently on the Governor's desk.
- AB 98 (Carrillo, Juan and Reyes): Chamber opposed – currently on the Governor's desk.
- SB 1246 (Limon): Chamber supported – currently on the Governor's desk.
- AB 2943 (Rivas): Chamber supported – chaptered by the Secretary of State.
The Chamber will continue to provide updates on these bills. For more information, please refer to our policy alert.
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Chamber Reviews Several Ballot Initiatives Ahead of November Election
On Tuesday, the Chamber's Government & Fiscal Affairs (GFA) Policy Council heard from Fernando Guerra, founding director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University, and Jose Cornejo of Cornejo Strategies, regarding several local ballot initiatives that have qualified for the November election. This meeting was the final session in a series to review and discuss both local and statewide ballot measures which impact businesses.
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Port of Long Beach Small Business Spending Tops $55M
The Port of Long Beach's Small Business Enterprise Program, which offers opportunities to a wide range of local contractors, suppliers, and businesses, achieved 41.8% participation by small businesses in contracting for the fiscal year 2023—its second-highest rate since the program began in 2004. Applicable spending on construction projects, consulting services, event planning, and other supplies and services increased year-over-year from $54.2 million to $55.7 million. The Port, which operates as the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, has set a 27% participation goal for small businesses—which is higher than many of its peer agencies. Learn more here.
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Free Training for Small Businesses
Sign up today for the Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI), a free resource on a mission to empower L.A. County small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits, to grow and thrive. In collaboration with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, EMI delivers personalized support through the OneLA Inclusive Procurement program, offering training on contracts and certifications. This initiative is tailored to provide a comprehensive hub of resources for business resilience. For more information visit here.
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Equity and Access Public Participation Grant
Small businesses in California can now apply for the Equity and Access Public Participation Grant, designed to enhance public participation and address disparities in community engagement. This grant offers vital funding to promote equitable access to public processes. Don’t miss this opportunity—apply here.
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Louchheim Family Foundation Honored by Wellnest
Congratulations to the Louchheim Family on receiving Wellnest’s Legacy Award for their 80 years of support. The family will be celebrated at Wellnest’s Centennial Celebration gala on September 27 at the Skirball Cultural Center. Mark Louchheim, former Chamber Board chair, is a dedicated business leader and philanthropist who embodies the spirit of giving that has defined his family’s lasting impact. Read more here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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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 businesses and the community.
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Accenture 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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Education & Workforce Development Council
Thursday, September 19, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Education & Workforce Development (EWD) Policy Council to learn about statewide bills to bolster education and career-to-workforce readiness.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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