Coming off an election in which all of Governor Schwarzenegger's reform proposals were defeated, you might think that the outlook for the upcoming legislative session is bleak. After all, the "business as usual" attitude in Sacramento often has nothing to do with business, and rarely produces anything positive for the business community in California. In spite of this, I remain cautiously optimistic about the 2006 legislative agenda.
I know that many of my colleagues are prepared to introduce pro-jobs and pro-business legislation in the coming months, and I also have several bills that serve to make California a better place to do business.
While the legislators are the ones proposing legislation, we cannot succeed without your help. Members of the business community are valuable allies when they make their voices heard. The Carlsbad Chamber is one of the best local Chambers in the state, and should continue to set a proactive example. I hope that you, as a member of the business community, will get involved in the political process in California, not only through the Chamber, but as an individual as well.
You may think that as an individual, your voice is not strong enough or important enough to go up against larger legislative interests. This is exactly the mindset that keeps California's business community from thriving, and it is simply not true.
One of the most significant actions taken by Governor Schwarzenegger has been his efforts to reform the workers compensation laws in California. Even more significant than the result of the reform, is the way it came to fruition. A single carrot-grower in the Central valley was fed up with rising costs of workers compensation, and the problems associated with it. That carrot-grower put up a substantial amount of his own money, and was able to gather enough signatures to get the proposition on the ballot. That's it. One man put the wheels in motion for the most important reform of the Schwarzenegger Administration to date.
I cannot stress the importance of taking a proactive approach to political involvement in California. As we witnessed on November 8, it is much easier for the loudest groups to have their voices heard. This is not to say that small groups and individuals cannot make an impact on legislation, but it is much more effective when organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, or other business groups mobilize and unify their efforts to improve the economic climate.
We have some of the finest companies, not only in California, but in the world, right here in Carlsbad. We have a local business community that serves as a point of pride, and as an example of economic success. We should be doing everything possible to ensure that these companies stay here in Carlsbad, rather than allowing piece after piece of anti-business legislation to pass through the legislature.
I promise to hold up my end of the bargain, and continue to champion for pro-business and pro-jobs legislation. I hope that you will assume an active role in California government, and that you will ask yourself and your colleagues whether you are doing your part to restore and foster a thriving business environment within the Golden State.
I know that many of my colleagues are prepared to introduce pro-jobs and pro-business legislation in the coming months, and I also have several bills that serve to make California a better place to do business.
While the legislators are the ones proposing legislation, we cannot succeed without your help. Members of the business community are valuable allies when they make their voices heard. The Carlsbad Chamber is one of the best local Chambers in the state, and should continue to set a proactive example. I hope that you, as a member of the business community, will get involved in the political process in California, not only through the Chamber, but as an individual as well.
You may think that as an individual, your voice is not strong enough or important enough to go up against larger legislative interests. This is exactly the mindset that keeps California's business community from thriving, and it is simply not true.
One of the most significant actions taken by Governor Schwarzenegger has been his efforts to reform the workers compensation laws in California. Even more significant than the result of the reform, is the way it came to fruition. A single carrot-grower in the Central valley was fed up with rising costs of workers compensation, and the problems associated with it. That carrot-grower put up a substantial amount of his own money, and was able to gather enough signatures to get the proposition on the ballot. That's it. One man put the wheels in motion for the most important reform of the Schwarzenegger Administration to date.
I cannot stress the importance of taking a proactive approach to political involvement in California. As we witnessed on November 8, it is much easier for the loudest groups to have their voices heard. This is not to say that small groups and individuals cannot make an impact on legislation, but it is much more effective when organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, or other business groups mobilize and unify their efforts to improve the economic climate.
We have some of the finest companies, not only in California, but in the world, right here in Carlsbad. We have a local business community that serves as a point of pride, and as an example of economic success. We should be doing everything possible to ensure that these companies stay here in Carlsbad, rather than allowing piece after piece of anti-business legislation to pass through the legislature.
I promise to hold up my end of the bargain, and continue to champion for pro-business and pro-jobs legislation. I hope that you will assume an active role in California government, and that you will ask yourself and your colleagues whether you are doing your part to restore and foster a thriving business environment within the Golden State.