2023 Business-Friendly
Voters Guide
California Chamber of Commerce Recommendations
The California Chamber of Commerce created the following Business-Friendly Voters Guide for 2023. The guide highlights Bills that are business friendly and those that potentially kill jobs.
BILLS THAT AIM TO ENHANCE CALIFORNIA’S BUSINESS CLIMATE AND PROMOTE ECONOMIC GROWTH
These legislative proposals, supported by the California Chamber of Commerce, aim to enhance California’s business climate and promote economic growth. By supporting these bills, voters can contribute to creating a more prosperous environment for businesses and job opportunities throughout the state. Here’s a brief overview of each bill:
1. AB 52 (Grayson; D-Concord) - Manufacturing Tax Credit Expansion:
This bill seeks to boost investment and production in California by expanding the sales and use tax exemption for the purchase of manufacturing and research and development (R&D) equipment. By offering tax incentives to businesses investing in manufacturing and R&D equipment, the bill encourages companies to expand their operations within the state, leading to job creation and economic growth.
2. SB 301 (Portantino; D-La Cañada Flintridge) - Conversion to Zero-Emission Vehicles:
SB 301 incentivizes the production of zero-emission vehicle parts in California, thereby increasing manufacturing opportunities and job prospects. The bill offers rebates for zero-emissions vehicle conversions, encouraging businesses to engage in green initiatives and contribute to the state’s environmental goals while also stimulating economic activity.
3. SB 592 (Newman; D-Fullerton) - Improved Labor Law Compliance:
This bill aims to protect business owners by requiring labor law guidance to be translated into commonly spoken languages in California. By ensuring clear communication and understanding of labor laws, businesses can avoid unintentional violations, leading to a more stable and compliant business environment. Additionally, the bill prevents businesses from facing penalties when they acted in good faith based on guidance from the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), giving them peace of mind when making employment decisions.
4. SB 703 (Niello; R-Sacramento) - Flexible Workweek:
SB 703 provides employees with the option to select a flexible work schedule, reducing administrative costs and burdens for employers associated with adopting alternative workweek schedules. This accommodation helps retain employees by providing a better work-life balance and increases workplace productivity. By allowing businesses to invest the savings from reduced administrative costs into workforce growth, SB 703 supports business expansion and job creation.
By voting in favor of these job creator bills, Californians can foster a business-friendly environment, encourage economic growth, and create more job opportunities across the state. These proposals strive to strike a balance between supporting businesses and protecting workers, ultimately contributing to the overall prosperity and well-being of California’s businesses and its workforce.
BILLS THAT ARE POTENTIAL JOB KILLERS
The following bills were identified by the California Chamber of Commerce as potential job killers and their potential negative impact on businesses and the economy:
1. Labor and Employment:
• Vote against AB 524 (Wicks; D-Oakland) - Expansion of Litigation Under FEHA: This bill may expose employers to costly litigation and create burdens for small businesses, making it difficult for them to thrive.
• Vote against AB 647 (Holden; D-Pasadena) - Grocery Workers: This bill could disrupt small stores’ ability to join together and introduce new costly private right of action.
• Vote against AB 1156 (Bonta; D-Alameda) - Expands Costly Presumption of Injury: This bill may increase workers’ compensation costs for hospitals and set a concerning precedent for expanding such presumptions.
• Vote against SB 365 (Wiener; D-San Francisco) - Undermines Arbitration: This bill may undermine arbitration agreements and impact the efficiency of legal proceedings.
• Vote against SB 399 (Wahab; D-Hayward) - Bans Employer Speech: This bill may chill employer speech on religious and political matters, potentially violating the First Amendment.
• Vote against SB 525 (Durazo; D-Los Angeles) - Costly Minimum Wage Increase: This bill may impose significant costs on health care facilities and employers working with them.
• Vote against SB 616 (Gonzalez; D-Long Beach) - Costly Sick Leave Expansion on All Employers: This bill may impose new costs and leave requirements on employers of all sizes.
• Vote against SB 627 (Smallwood-Cuevas; D-Los Angeles) - Onerous Return to Work Mandate: This bill may delay hiring and eliminate contracts for at-will employment.
• Vote against SB 723 (Durazo; D-Los Angeles) - Onerous Return to Work Mandate: This bill may negatively impact industries disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
• Vote against SB 809 (Smallwood-Cuevas; D-Los Angeles) - Prohibits Consideration of Conviction History in Employment: This bill may create cumbersome processes for employers regarding hiring individuals with certain convictions.
2. Taxation:
• Vote against AB 259 (Lee; D-San Jose) / ACA 3 (Lee; D-San Jose) - Wealth Tax: This bill may drive high-income earners out of the state, impacting revenue contributions to the General Fund.
• Vote against SB 220 (Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee) - Corporate Tax Hike: This bill may drive employers out of the state and reduce revenue contributions to the General Fund.
3. Housing:
• Vote against AB 68 (Ward; D-San Diego) - Quashes Housing: This bill may worsen California’s housing crisis by preventing new housing units in most jurisdictions.
4. Environmental:
• Vote against AB 1000 (Reyes; D-San Bernardino) - De Facto Ban of Warehouses: This bill may create a de facto ban on logistics use facilities, potentially impacting businesses and new private right of action.
5. Climate/Energy:
• Vote against AB 9 (Muratsuchi; D-Torrance) - Greenhouse Gases: This bill may lead to market instability and increased costs for consumers.
• Vote against SB 12 (Stern; D-Canoga Park) - Arbitrary Greenhouse Gas Target: This bill may force 17 million gas-powered cars off the road, affecting businesses and consumers.
• Vote against SBX1 2 (Skinner; D-Berkeley) - Windfall Profits Tax: This bill may limit refinery reinvestment and discourage operational efficiencies.
According to the California Chamber of Commerce, voting against these bills is essential to support a business-friendly environment in California, promoting economic growth, and protecting job opportunities for all.