Members of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce joined the California Chamber of Commerce and other local chambers along with state legislators and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for the California Business Legislative Summit at the end of May. Fourteen members of the Carlsbad Chamber were given one-on-one access with Sen. Bill Morrow (R-Carlsbad), Assemblyman Mark Wyland (R-Vista) and Assemblyman George Plescia (R-Poway) and received more information on the Nov. 8 special election.
On May 24, North County chambers gathered for a luncheon and an exclusive chance to meet with local state legislators and Tom Campbell, the director of finance for the State of California. Campbell and the legislators emphasized the importance of being fiscally responsible and the need for a special election. "The current administration understands the importance of not spending more than the state takes in," Campbell said. Prior to Schwarzenegger, lawmakers relied on what Campbell deemed the "golden meteorite theory." They believed you pass a budget and, magically, gold falls from the sky to compensate for overspending.
Morrow, Wyland, and Plescia also gave Chamber members an insider's view on how the special election could encourage a better business environment. This is particularly true with redistricting reform, or the Voter Empowerment Act, which allows an independent commission to realign legislative districts. As Wyland said, the measure puts the responsibility of redrawing legislative districts in the hands of non-partisan judges rather than legislators. Supporters say this would make elections more competitive and eliminate "safe" seats for both parties. Morrow also touched on an initiative that would protect public employees' rights and stop special interests from controlling elections, the Public Employees' Right to Approve Use of Union Dues for Political Campaign Purposes Act. This would allow union members to first give their consent before dues are used for political purposes rather than opting out when paying their union dues.
The Governor's three-prong approach to recovery includes the aforementioned redistricting reform and two additional measures, the Live within Our Means Act and the Put the Kids First Act. The former caps government spending to balance future state budgets and allows the Governor to make mid-year budget cuts to keep the budget balanced while keeping funding for transportation projects.
The Put the Kids First Act requires teachers to serve a minimum of five years, rather than the current two years, to receive tenure. The California Chamber of Commerce supports all three measures while the Carlsbad Chamber actively supports fair redistricting and a balanced budget, but has not taken a stance on the tenure issue.
Beyond the special election buzz, it wasn't all work during the two-day conference. Chamber members were also treated to a unique, behind-the-scenes, tour of the State Capitol by Duane Dichiara, Wyland's chief of staff.
The following day, May 25, nearly 500 people gathered for the Sacramento Host Breakfast at the Sacramento Convention Center. For many attendees, this was the highlight of the trip as Schwarzenegger spoke to the crowd for about 20 minutes, urging state business leaders to take action and support the special election in order to change California's economy for the better.
"We cannot continue a budget system that automatically spends $1.10 for every $1 we take in," Schwarzenegger said. "Without reform, we are destined to relive the past all over again – $22 billion deficits, higher car taxes and the threat of bankruptcy."
Allan Zaremberg, president of the California Chamber of Commerce, praised Schwarzenegger's efforts and called the special election "a key component to keeping California on the road to fiscal recovery."
The road to recovery will not be an easy trek for Schwarzenegger. In early June, the leaders of the California Teachers Association voted to raise $50 million in order to combat the Governor by placing a surcharge on its members. To win the election, the Governor and proponents of his measures will have to gain the support of California voters. For more information on these measures and how to get involved, voters can visit www.joinarnold.com.
Getting the inside scoop, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce members who attended the event include Chairman of the Board, Tim Stripe; Chair Elect, Paul Thompson, Vice Chair of Public Policy, Gina McBride; President and CEO Ted Owen and Director of Government Affairs, Jamie Morel. Board members Gary Hill and John Osborne were also in attendance, as were Joe Charest, Carolyn Witt, Barbara Kirstein, Deborah Leitner, Denise Mueller, Don Parent and Jessica Rodier, all members of the Government Affairs Committee.
The next Business Legislative Summit is scheduled for April 24, 25, 2006. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce thanks SBC Global for use of its conference room during the summit and San Diego Gas and Electric for providing lunch.
On May 24, North County chambers gathered for a luncheon and an exclusive chance to meet with local state legislators and Tom Campbell, the director of finance for the State of California. Campbell and the legislators emphasized the importance of being fiscally responsible and the need for a special election. "The current administration understands the importance of not spending more than the state takes in," Campbell said. Prior to Schwarzenegger, lawmakers relied on what Campbell deemed the "golden meteorite theory." They believed you pass a budget and, magically, gold falls from the sky to compensate for overspending.
Morrow, Wyland, and Plescia also gave Chamber members an insider's view on how the special election could encourage a better business environment. This is particularly true with redistricting reform, or the Voter Empowerment Act, which allows an independent commission to realign legislative districts. As Wyland said, the measure puts the responsibility of redrawing legislative districts in the hands of non-partisan judges rather than legislators. Supporters say this would make elections more competitive and eliminate "safe" seats for both parties. Morrow also touched on an initiative that would protect public employees' rights and stop special interests from controlling elections, the Public Employees' Right to Approve Use of Union Dues for Political Campaign Purposes Act. This would allow union members to first give their consent before dues are used for political purposes rather than opting out when paying their union dues.
The Governor's three-prong approach to recovery includes the aforementioned redistricting reform and two additional measures, the Live within Our Means Act and the Put the Kids First Act. The former caps government spending to balance future state budgets and allows the Governor to make mid-year budget cuts to keep the budget balanced while keeping funding for transportation projects.
The Put the Kids First Act requires teachers to serve a minimum of five years, rather than the current two years, to receive tenure. The California Chamber of Commerce supports all three measures while the Carlsbad Chamber actively supports fair redistricting and a balanced budget, but has not taken a stance on the tenure issue.
Beyond the special election buzz, it wasn't all work during the two-day conference. Chamber members were also treated to a unique, behind-the-scenes, tour of the State Capitol by Duane Dichiara, Wyland's chief of staff.
The following day, May 25, nearly 500 people gathered for the Sacramento Host Breakfast at the Sacramento Convention Center. For many attendees, this was the highlight of the trip as Schwarzenegger spoke to the crowd for about 20 minutes, urging state business leaders to take action and support the special election in order to change California's economy for the better.
"We cannot continue a budget system that automatically spends $1.10 for every $1 we take in," Schwarzenegger said. "Without reform, we are destined to relive the past all over again – $22 billion deficits, higher car taxes and the threat of bankruptcy."
Allan Zaremberg, president of the California Chamber of Commerce, praised Schwarzenegger's efforts and called the special election "a key component to keeping California on the road to fiscal recovery."
The road to recovery will not be an easy trek for Schwarzenegger. In early June, the leaders of the California Teachers Association voted to raise $50 million in order to combat the Governor by placing a surcharge on its members. To win the election, the Governor and proponents of his measures will have to gain the support of California voters. For more information on these measures and how to get involved, voters can visit www.joinarnold.com.
Getting the inside scoop, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce members who attended the event include Chairman of the Board, Tim Stripe; Chair Elect, Paul Thompson, Vice Chair of Public Policy, Gina McBride; President and CEO Ted Owen and Director of Government Affairs, Jamie Morel. Board members Gary Hill and John Osborne were also in attendance, as were Joe Charest, Carolyn Witt, Barbara Kirstein, Deborah Leitner, Denise Mueller, Don Parent and Jessica Rodier, all members of the Government Affairs Committee.
The next Business Legislative Summit is scheduled for April 24, 25, 2006. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce thanks SBC Global for use of its conference room during the summit and San Diego Gas and Electric for providing lunch.