With recent state projections suggesting an economic slowdown and more legislation taking effect in January, a new alert provides statistics on how often California lawmakers voted in support of pro-business bills.
“The 2022 data reflects an interest by the Legislature to achieve their progressive agenda, but in a way that takes into consideration the impact on California employers, especially small employers,” Jennifer Barrera, president and CEO, California Chamber of Commerce, said in an email response to the Northern California Record. “Good examples of this include the overall success of our Job Killer list, negotiated deal on single use packaging – SB 54, SB 260, extension of COVID sick leave with small employer exclusion as well as grants to offset costs.”
CalChamber’s Best Business Votes of 2022 Alert shows that 27.5 percent (33 of the Legislature’s 120 members) voted with the chamber’s bill positions 80 percent or more of the time.
But another 60 members – half the Legislature – voted pro-business less than 40 percent of the time.
Barrera said the pandemic highlighted many vulnerabilities in the economy and state, including small businesses.
“Due to the significant loss of small businesses during Covid and the challenges they are facing now with higher costs because of inflation, higher wages, a tight labor market, legislators have a heightened sense of awareness and sensitivity to small businesses,” Barrera said. “With a recession on the horizon, if it isn’t already here, the Legislature should be concerned in this coming year with any new mandates or costs on businesses.”
Barrera noted this year’s success of CalChamber’s Job Killer bill tracking program is similar to previous years.
“It would be great going forward if there was a fiscal analysis conducted on cost impacts to businesses for any new major policy issue,” Barrera said. “The current fiscal analysis only considers direct costs to the State, but does not include any analysis on financial impacts to the private sector and what that ultimately could mean for the economy or general fund.”
The Best Business Votes of 2022 Alert also shows that 22 percent (27 of 120 lawmakers) supported the CalChamber bill position between 40 and 79 percent of the time.
“Businesses in California are problem solvers who are willing to engage in solutions on how to solve some of the challenges facing California,” Barrera said. “The Legislature should take into account their ideas, feedback, and contribution to the discussion to help shape the best public policy for the state.”