Under the leadership of Chair James Duran, CHCC’s Legislative Affairs Committee (LAC) has had a busy and successful year to date. 

The LAC adopted its new mission statement:

To provide effective governmental advocacy on behalf of the Hispanic business community to promote the interests of the small and ethnic business community toward the overall economic development of California.

2008 Elections

CHCC supported the Indian Gaming Compact measures which were on the February 5, 2008, Presidential Primary Election Ballot.  All of the propositions — 94, 95, 96 and 97 passed. 

CHCC supported one of the two eminent domain measures on the June Primary Election Ballot — Proposition 98 — which failed by a vote of 38 to 62 percent. 

The LAC is currently reviewing the 12 measures that have qualified for the November 4, 2008, General Election Ballot, and is determining whether to take positions on the propositions.

Legislation

The LAC has been actively involved in reviewing and taking positions on legislation.  LAC reviewed more than 60 bills and sent 12 letters of support or oppose.  The Legislature adjourned on August 31 and the Governor has until September 30 to sign or veto bills.  CHCC scored several victories during this session, including:

1. AB 2716 (Assemblymember Fiona Ma, D-San Francisco) which would require employers to provide sick paid sick days.  CHCC opposed this measure which was held in the Senate Committee Appropriations. 

1. SB 1420 (Senator Alex Padilla, D-Pacoima) which would require food facilities, by January 1, 2011, and which operate under common ownership or control with at least 19 other food facilities with the same name, to disclose nutritional information for all standard menu items.  As a result of a compromise between stakeholders and the Governor’s office, the bill was amended to preempt local ordinances and regulations.  CHCC originally opposed SB 1420, but removed its opposition after the compromise was reached.  SB 1420 passed the Legislature.  

1. SB 1608 (Senator Ellen Corbett, D-San Leandro) would enact a comprehensive reform measure intended to promote better compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as the state’s own equal access laws.  CHCC supports SB 1608 which passed the Legislature. 

Appointments/Endorsement

LAC submitted letters recommending: appointment of Theodore C. Hanf, M.D., M.P.H., as a Commissioner of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, and approval of Jesús M. Vargas for the Small Business Advocate Position in the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. 

Legislative Day Conference

On June 17, in Sacramento, over 70 attendees participated in the annual legislative day conference with presentations from Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles), Assembly Minority Leader Mike Villines (R-Clovis) and Senator Ron Calderon (D-Montebello).  There was a meeting with Governor Schwarzenegger where we discussed critical issues, including the budget deficit, workers’ compensation, business taxes, redistricting and water.  We anticipate a follow-up meeting to continue these discussions. 

Future Goals and Objectives of the LAC:

• Legislative Action — become more involved in the legislative process.
• Local Legislative Organization and Mobilization — more involvement at the grass roots level.
• Appointments — promote Hispanic appointees to prominent positions.
• Fundraising and Partnerships — develop relationships with partners and sponsors who share a community of interest.
• Communications — improve communications with member chambers and businesses.
• Political Action Committee — encourage participation and raise funds to support business-friendly candidates and fund grass roots efforts on specific issues.