[Source: The Hill] A federal judge on Friday upheld a California program that caps carbon emissions from the transportation sector after the Trump administration sued the state over it. The Justice Department last year challenged the cap-and-trade program, which aims to improve air quality and allows companies in the state to trade emissions credits with Read More…
Newsroom
State budget ‘balanced’ with massive new debt
[Source: CalMatters /Dan Walters] Gov. Gavin Newsom says the new California state budget is balanced, but in reality it has a huge deficit that will be covered by indirect borrowing. Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a 2020-21 state budget he described as “balanced, responsible and protects public safety and health, education, and services to Californians Read More…
Trump looks to scale back environmental reviews for projects
[Source: Associated Press] President Donald Trump is ready to roll back a foundational Nixon-era environmental law that he says stifles major infrastructure projects, but that environmentalists say has served for decades as a safeguard for low-income and minority communities. Trump was traveling to Atlanta on Wednesday to formally announce changes to the National Environmental Policy Read More…
Struggling businesses face billions in increased taxes
[Source: CalChamber] 2020’s recipe has proven to be equal parts unpredictable and incalculable with a heaping helping of calamity and lest we forget the generous scoop of crisis. Despite this year’s twists and turns one constant remains–California’s turbulent business climate. Unemployment figures wax and wane near Depression Era levels while certain market sectors close, partially Read More…
Split roll initiative’s risks and negative side effects grow by the day
[Source: Orange County Register] In November, Californians will vote on whether to increase commercial property taxes. The California Schools and Local Communities Funding Act of 2020, more commonly known as the split-roll initiative because it treats commercial and residential properties differently, will be coming to the ballot at an inopportune time. It is unlikely to Read More…
Governor Newsom announces closure of ALL indoor activities
[Source: Anaheim Chamber of Commerce] The Governor has ordered the closure of indoor operations in the 30 monitoring counties, including Orange County, for the following industries: Fitness Centers Places of Worship Offices for Non-Critical Sectors Personal Care Services Hair Salons and Barbershops Malls The Governor’s earlier closure of indoor operations in restaurants, wineries and tasting Read More…
November ballot takes shape with assignment of proposition numbers
[Source: CalChamber] Secretary of State Alex Padilla has assigned proposition numbers to the legislative, initiative and referendum measures set to appear on the November 3 General Election ballot. The proposition numbers and brief descriptions appear below. Where the California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has adopted a position, that action is noted. • Proposition Read More…
Cosmetics sold in California are set for a face lift
[Source: National Law Review] On June 11, 2020, the California Assembly passed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, Assembly Bill (A.B.) 2762 [1], by a bipartisan vote of 54-0. If enacted by the Senate, the law would be the first in the United States to ban twelve ingredients, including mercury and formaldehyde, from beauty and personal care Read More…
SB 1383 should be rejected
[Source: Fox&Hounds] As part of the recent budget deal struck last weekend between the Legislature and the Governor, SB 1383 (Jackson) would create a massive expansion of protected leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). The bill came into print at 9pm on June 23 and was heard about the same time a day Read More…