The California Chamber of Commerce has released its “2020 Job Killer List,” to call attention to proposed bills that could obstruct the state’s economic and employment growth.
While the list is released annually, this year it has even more significance due to the financial downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jennifer Barrera, CalChamber Executive Vice President, told the Northern California Record.
“We’re disappointed we’re even having discussion about job killers at a time like this, with unemployment close to 25 percent and the state facing a $54 billion deficit, it’s unfortunate we’re even coming out with a list,” Barrera said.
“Now more than ever, we really need to grow the economy and the private sector is key to coming out of this crisis, and I hope the governor and legislature recognize that and take the list even more seriously,” she added.
Among the bills on the list is AB 1107, which would increase employers’ payroll taxes, and AB 196 and AB 664, both of which would raise workers’ compensation costs.
Since the list came out earlier this month, another bill on it that would raise workers’ compensation costs, SB 893, failed to pass out of committee but has been granted reconsideration.
“Reasonable bills are critical to restarting the economy,” Barrera said. “There are several things the legislature could suggest to restart the economy, a lot of policies they could consider to really help the private sector grow.”
One success came with AB 2992, a bill on expanded leaves of absence that has since been amended and is no longer on the list, Barrera said. But a different bill also was added to it, AB 2501, which would require lenders to sustain home and auto loans that aren’t being paid, placing undue strain on financial institutions.
“We don’t pick amongst job killers,” Barrera said. “They all make the list for a reason; they all have challenges.”
The goal of the list is to figure out how to reduce burdens on businesses, especially when they already are dealing with unprecedented upheaval, Barrera said.
“A key takeaway is now is not the time to stifle growth in the private sector,” Barrera added. “Any legislation that adds an additional cost to employers at this time should not be considered.”