When I was elected last November to represent California's 76th Assembly District, I set a goal of strengthening California's economy by bringing back jobs to the state. I knew job growth could be encouraged by streamlining regulations and reducing the tax burden that cripples business.
In the closing hours of session last month, Republicans and moderate Democrats worked together in an effort to promote fairness by voting "no" on a bill that would have increased the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The CEQA bill was an attempt to reinstate bad for business language into a previously passed measure. Republicans and Democrats stood in opposition of the tactic. An unprecedented 27 Democrats joined all 25 Republicans in voting no or abstaining on the measure.
Twenty-eight bills that had the potential to harm business in the state, which the Cal Chamber dubs "job killers", were introduced this session. Some increased taxes, others added regulations, but all threatened to add to an already unfriendly business climate in the state.
With the help of fellow Republicans and business-savvy Democrats, only one "bad for business" bill made it to the Governor's desk this session. The sole bill to pass will raise the minimum wage $2 by 2015.
Stopping these bills was a significant success and a sign that the future of business in California is strong. It took cooperation on both sides of the aisle to accomplish, and I am proud of the effort put forth by many of my constituents who contacted assemblymembers and senators in an effort to promote business.
This is the first session since 2000 that only one bad for business bill made it through the legislative process. Most years, double-digit numbers of these bills arrive on the governor's desk. In 2012, 12 bills passed both houses, though only two were signed. In the last 13 years, 42 bills have been signed into law.
Strong bi-partisan collaboration was evident during the session, with members of both parties working to pass bills that make California more business friendly. Two measures that passed will reduce the amount of taxes small businesses are required to pay on sales of stock options.
Both parties also worked together to improve California's colleges and universities.
We know that a highly-skilled and educated workforce is essential to attracting and keeping businesses in the state. One bright spot for business came in the form of restoring funding to the Cal Grant program after years of rising tuition fees.
Providing California's college students with the tools they need to meet the demands of tomorrow's businesses is an important step we can take. I am encouraged by the strong emphasis on education this year's budget makes.
I will continue to do all I can to stop bills from passing that hurt business in our state and encourage deregulation and reduced taxes to make it easier for businesses to succeed. I know improving our business climate will help our communities, our families and our schools. There will be much more work to do next session, and I am eager to get started.
It is an honor to serve the people of my district. I look forward to working on your behalf next year and for years to come.
In the closing hours of session last month, Republicans and moderate Democrats worked together in an effort to promote fairness by voting "no" on a bill that would have increased the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The CEQA bill was an attempt to reinstate bad for business language into a previously passed measure. Republicans and Democrats stood in opposition of the tactic. An unprecedented 27 Democrats joined all 25 Republicans in voting no or abstaining on the measure.
Twenty-eight bills that had the potential to harm business in the state, which the Cal Chamber dubs "job killers", were introduced this session. Some increased taxes, others added regulations, but all threatened to add to an already unfriendly business climate in the state.
With the help of fellow Republicans and business-savvy Democrats, only one "bad for business" bill made it to the Governor's desk this session. The sole bill to pass will raise the minimum wage $2 by 2015.
Stopping these bills was a significant success and a sign that the future of business in California is strong. It took cooperation on both sides of the aisle to accomplish, and I am proud of the effort put forth by many of my constituents who contacted assemblymembers and senators in an effort to promote business.
This is the first session since 2000 that only one bad for business bill made it through the legislative process. Most years, double-digit numbers of these bills arrive on the governor's desk. In 2012, 12 bills passed both houses, though only two were signed. In the last 13 years, 42 bills have been signed into law.
Strong bi-partisan collaboration was evident during the session, with members of both parties working to pass bills that make California more business friendly. Two measures that passed will reduce the amount of taxes small businesses are required to pay on sales of stock options.
Both parties also worked together to improve California's colleges and universities.
We know that a highly-skilled and educated workforce is essential to attracting and keeping businesses in the state. One bright spot for business came in the form of restoring funding to the Cal Grant program after years of rising tuition fees.
Providing California's college students with the tools they need to meet the demands of tomorrow's businesses is an important step we can take. I am encouraged by the strong emphasis on education this year's budget makes.
I will continue to do all I can to stop bills from passing that hurt business in our state and encourage deregulation and reduced taxes to make it easier for businesses to succeed. I know improving our business climate will help our communities, our families and our schools. There will be much more work to do next session, and I am eager to get started.
It is an honor to serve the people of my district. I look forward to working on your behalf next year and for years to come.