SCV Chamber: Government Affairs Roundup (6-18-2013)

Santa Clarita Valley Chamber Government Affairs & Transportation Committee

Photo Credit: Headington Media Group

A number of issues were discussed and addressed at the Chamber Government Affairs & Transportation Committee (GA/TC) this month–from local chloride concerns to updates from representatives of our state and federal lawmakers. College of the Canyons Board Trustee Bruce Fortine and Santa Clarita Councilmember Marsha McLean were also present and contributed to the conversation..

GA/TC Co-Chair and E.D. of the Golden State Gateway Coalition, Victor Lindenheim, recapped the recent KHTS “SC to DC” Washington, DC trip, noting the importance of issues like Cemex and oversight of California High Speed Rail. Victor also brought up ACA 8, authored by outgoing Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield, which would affect local government financing.

GA/TC Co-Chair and Principal of Braly Law Firm, Hunt Braly, was active in the conversation and stressed the need for the Chamber to identify which issues it should help articulate in public comments in the chlorides EIR (environmental impact report). The deadline is Monday, June 24th and Hunt was not optimistic it would be extended as some hope.

Morris Thomas, District Director for Congressman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, discussed the Marketplace Fairness Act (Internet Tax), how it affects big box stores and how it has a chance at passing. Morris stressed that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2014 has been the Armed Services Committee Chair’s main focus. He also noted that Speaker John Boehner has indicated that an immigration bill will make it through the House by the end of the year.

Sarah Tyndall, Field Representative for Senator Steve Knight, remarked that his “legislative package has done remarkably well” and gave an update on which bills were held in committee and others that became two year bills. You can click here for the legislative update.Sarah also noted that Senator Knight will be holding his second Town Hall meeting on July 25th at Santa Clarita City Council chamber from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

Erik Richardson, Field Representative for Assemblymember Scott Wilk, talked about upcoming Town Hall meetings in Santa Clarita (6/15 on chlorides) and Simi Valley, as well as an upcoming “Facebook Small Business Roadshow” on June 21st. Erik also shared that Assm. Wilk strongly supports Enterprise Zones and Governor Jerry Brown “needs to change his attitude.” He highlighted legislation like AB 405, authored by Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) that would allow HOV lanes to be used by everyone during hours not designated as heavy commuter traffic. Showing that some issues can be bipartisan, AB 405 was reportedly passed out of the Assembly 72:0. You can also find out more regarding the House of Origin deadline, job killing legislation and the success of AB 1130.

 

Photo Credit: Headington Media Group

Rosalind Wayman, Field Deputy for Supervisor Michael Antonovich, updated the GA/TC on the County budget and how it broke down into the following: 30% Health; 27% Public Protection; 25% Public Assistance; and 18% Other. Rosalind also said that the Clean Water, Clean Beaches, aka “Storm Water Tax,” may rear its head again on June 25th when the Public Works report is discussed–but will let the Chamber know if another Call to Action needs to be made.

 

Santa Clarita Councilmember Marsha McLean stressed her opposition to ACA 8, which would lower the threshold for increasing taxes to pay for local infrastructure projects from 2/3rds voter approval (under Prop. 13) to 55%. Marsha also reminded folks to R.S.V.P. and arrive by 9:30 a.m. for the Antelope Valley line groundbreaking at Bob Hope Airport on Friday, June 21st.

Santa Clarita Chamber ACTION ALERT on the California Enterprise Zone Program Photo Credit – Enterprise Zone CPA The SCV Chamber joined a delegation of business leaders to Sacramento recently for an Enterprise Zone Action Day. It also issued an Action Alert to get local companies to join the coalition to save the critical state program.   There is a coalition forming to keep Enterprise Zones. Please go to www.EnterpriseCA.org to learn how they are helping create jobs, expand existing businesses and reinvest in local communities. You can also click here for a thoughtful Stockton Record editorial on the issue. Following is an excerpt from Chamber President/CEO to elected officials in Sacramento: “While we recognize that it may be appropriate to institute reforms for some areas of the program to ensure that the Enterprise Zone program meets its intended goals of stimulating business investment in California and reaching people with barriers to employment, the overall program has been clearly beneficial to local businesses, their employees and the state of California. The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce urges your continuing support for the Enterprise Zone program to ensure that our state can be competitive in creating and retaining jobs, as well as securing future business investment in California.”

Quote of the Week – Assemblymember Scott Wilk

Photo Credit – SCV News

“This is a complicated and potentially expensive issue that needs to be carefully evaluated.  Assemblyman Fox and I are hosting this Saturday morning  event so as many ratepayers as possible have the ability to access the information,” Hon. Scott Wilk on hosting June Town Hall on Chlorides in the Santa Clara River

SCV Chamber: Government Affairs Roundup (6-18-2013)