Economic Development

One of the keys to continued success of Hispanic-owned businesses is the ability to access business capital.  We applaud the efforts of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy, which is responsible for examining issues related to capital formation, among other economic development policies, programs and services. 

CHCC supports legislation that will:

• increase the focus on emerging domestic markets (EDM)
• develop new financial products
• address issues of lending discrimination to minority businesses
• identify entrepreneurial opportunities related to state procurement, economic development and workforce investment 

Employment

Hispanic-owned businesses comply with the most stringent and complex labor laws in the United States and face some of the highest penalties when they fail to do so.  As a result, CHCC urges the Legislature to simplify workplace rules and laws, and at the same time to protect employers’ rights to manage their companies’ employees in an efficient, safe and productive manner.  

Education

CHCC recognizes that high school graduates are unprepared for entry-level jobs because of inadequate skills in basic reading, writing or math. 

CHCC supports legislation that will:

• expand work-based learning opportunities
• urge financial aid tuition assistance to low-income high school students to make a successful transition to postsecondary education
• encourage implementation of programs to assist English language learners

Health Care

HCC supports efforts to reduce the cost of health insurance and increase the number of workers who have health insurance.  Health care reform must provide for adequate grants, tax benefits and/or other means to improve the affordability and access of health care for Hispanic business owners.  Any reform must also address the disparities in coverage often seen in Hispanic communities. 

CHCC opposes legislation that imposes an employer mandate, and a government-run health care program (single-payer).

California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006

AB 32 is the "California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006." It proposes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the level which existed in 1990 and authorizes the California Air Resources Board to implement a plan to achieve that goal by 2020.  The law impacts all California large and small businesses and households.  Such impacts include, but are not limited to, impacts on jobs, output, personal income, business profits, and consumption and investment spending.  It is considered the single most wide-spreading law to be adopted in decades.  The CHCC monitors the progress of the implementation plan and provides testimony to the state as necessary protect the interests of its membership. 

Federal Issues

Immigration

CHCC supports efforts to enact comprehensive reform of immigration laws, but believes any reforms must take place at the federal level rather than individual state actions.  Hispanic-owned businesses annually contribute more than $58 billion to California’s economy.  To protect our economy and California’s small businesses, we must continue to allow participation of an immigrant workforce.