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Serving the San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, San Fernando, and Santa Clarita
Valley Industry & Commerce Association || vica.com
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- California's 2024 Statewide Ballot Measures
- California Legislature Mid-Session Update
- VICA Victory! LA City Council Approves Convention Center Expansion Before Recess
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LA County Considers Ballot for Board Expansion
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"Los Angeles County communities are one step closer to having a more representative, transparent, and accountable government - position the County to more effectively deliver the services and outcomes our residents deserve. These changes, which will be implemented with no additional cost to taxpayers, will ultimately be decided by voters this November."
LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey Horvath
Statement during Board's Approval of Governand and Ethics Reforms
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California's 2024 Ballot Measures, What You'll Vote on in November | |
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In the upcoming November 2024 elections, California voters will have the opportunity to shape a broad spectrum of policy areas through ten statewide propositions. These measures address critical issues from economic reforms to environmental protections, showcasing California's robust direct democracy process.
Here's a breakdown of what will be on the ballot:
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Proposition 2: This bond measure seeks $10 billion to modernize K-12 schools and community colleges, enhancing facilities and technology to improve educational outcomes.
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Proposition 3: Aims to amend the state Constitution to affirm the right to marry, remove outdated language, and ensure marriage equality in anticipation of potential Supreme Court changes.
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Proposition 4: Proposes another $10 billion bond to address climate-related disasters and ensure clean drinking water, marking a significant investment in California’s environmental future.
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Proposition 5: Looks to lower the threshold for local governments to pass funding measures for affordable housing and public infrastructure from a two-thirds supermajority to a 55% majority.
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Proposition 6: Seeks to ban involuntary servitude in state prisons, part of a broader reparations package to address the legacies of slavery.
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Proposition 32: Would increase the minimum wage from $16 to $18 per hour and adjust annually for inflation, following wage increases in specific sectors.
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Proposition 33: Allows cities and counties greater authority to enact or expand rent control by repealing the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act.
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Proposition 34: Requires certain healthcare providers to allocate a majority of specific federal program revenues directly to patient care.
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Proposition 35: Provides permanent funding for Medi-Cal by extending a tax on managed health care plans.
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Proposition 36: Intends to impose harsher penalties for specific drug possession and retail theft, revisiting the decriminalization measures of a decade ago.
As we approach November, VICA's Government Affairs Committee will bring these ballot measures to our members to take positions, reflecting on the immediate policy choices that set the trajectory for the state's long-term priorities.
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California Legislature Mid-Session Recess Update | |
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As the California Legislature enters its mid-session recess, a critical juncture has been reached, determining the fate of many bills. Here is an update on several VICA priority bills, highlighting the progress and implications for the business community:
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AB 2011 (Bauer-Kahan) Enhances small business protections by updating family leave mediation programs. It has successfully passed the Legislature and is now on its way to the Governor's desk. VICA Supports
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AB 247 (Fong-Muratsuchi): Focuses on securing funding for the modernization of K-12 and community college facilities, now set to appear as Proposition 2 on the November 2024 ballot. VICA Supports
In terms of opposition, several concerning bills have fortunately not progressed:
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ACA 14 (Ortega): Would have required the UC system to enter contracts with businesses and vendors that pay prevailing wages. This measure failed to meet the legislative deadline. VICA Opposed
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ACA 6 (Haney): Would have changed the UC system's ability to enter into service contracts with third-party vendors, limiting regional economic activity. This measure failed to pass the Senate Elections, Reapportionment, and Constitutional Amendments Committee. VICA Opposed
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AB 2216 (Haney): Would have imposed new regulations affecting tenants' rights to keep pets, failed to meet the policy committee deadline. VICA Opposed
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SB 915 (Cortese): Sought to regulate local government policies on autonomous vehicles. Failed to meet the July legislative deadline. VICA Opposed
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SB 1116 (Durazo-Portantino): Proposed providing unemployment benefits to striking workers; failed to pass the Assembly Labor & Employment committee. VICA Opposed
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SB 1372 (Newman): Proposed restrictive new regulations on third-party vendors operating in airports; it failed to meet the July legislative deadline. VICA Opposed
VICA is pleased with the halting of several bills that could have negatively impacted the business climate and the successful advancement of key initiatives that support our business community. We remain vigilant and committed to advocating for legislative developments that align with businesses' interests and contribute positively to California's economic landscape.
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LA County Board of Supervisors Vote on Proposed Governance Reform to Appear on the November Ballot | |
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On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recently proposed a significant governance reform measure for the November ballot, sparking support and tension among the supervisors and the public. The proposal aims to make the county government more representative, accountable, and efficient by expanding the Board from five to nine members, establishing an elected County Executive, and creating an independent Ethics Commission.
This reform proposal was met with intense debate and discussions among the supervisors. Concerns were raised about adequate representation in the county's unincorporated areas, the overall lack of awareness about the motion details among the supervisors themselves, adherence to Brown Act rules and compliance, and unresolved grievances regarding previous reform efforts by other supervisors. Despite these tensions and after hours of deliberation, the motion was ultimately passed with three votes in support and two abstentions by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Holly Mitchell, reflecting a significant but cautious consensus.
VICA's Government Affairs committee will discuss this matter at its next meeting, July 17th, reflecting our continued commitment to influencing the discussion around governance reform that impact the business community and the broader populace of Los Angeles County.
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Government Affairs Committee
July 17 at Noon
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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Councilmember Nithya Raman
Tuesday, July 30 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Nithya Raman, an urban planner and Harvard and MIT graduate, serves on the Los Angeles City Council representing District 4. In 2020, she became the first Asian-American woman and South Asian on the council after years of community work addressing homelessness. As a council member, Raman prioritizes homeless services, affordable housing, and climate goals, while her team focuses on proactive constituent services.
Raman chairs the Housing & Homelessness Committee and serves on several other city committees and boards. She was appointed to the South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board and the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency Board.
Our After Dark with Councilmember Raman is brought to you by our presenting host sponsor, Hilton Universal City/Los Angeles; Presenting Sponsors Digital Restaurant Association and Southern Coast Air Quality Management District
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Thank You to Our Renewing Members! | | |
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Silver
- Cedars-Sinai Health System (2007)
- Venable (2022)
Renewing Member
- Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling (2012)
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Governor Newsom Stands with Biden
Governor Newsom said on Wednesday that he would not run for president against Vice President Kamala Harris and remained steadfast in his support for President Biden as talks about seeking an alternative presidential nominee continued among Democrats. His comments indicate that if Biden gives in to calls to step aside, the California Governor will not challenge Harris, a front-runner in conversations about who should replace the president on the November ballot if she seeks the nomination. To read more, click here.
California's Backstop Against the Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court's rollback of federal regulatory powers may have limited impact in California, where state regulations often exceed federal standards. By dismantling "Chevron deference," the Court restricts agencies' ability to interpret laws broadly, likely increasing legal challenges. However, California's robust regulations could buffer against these federal changes, especially in areas like environmental protection and public health. To read the report, click here.
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Biden's Team Checks Delegates for Loyalty
Fearing a floor revolt against his nomination, President Biden's aides are calling individual delegates to next month's Democratic convention to gauge their loyalty to the president, according to three delegates who received a call this week. After a round of introductory questions confirming each delegate and asking if they had served as delegate before, the Biden aide making the calls got to the point. To read further, click here.
Supervisor Janice Hahn Chairs LA Metro Board
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn on Wednesday pledged to improve public safety and the rider experience on LA metro's system as she takes over as board chair from L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. During her Metro State of the Agency address, Hahn said her top priorities also include a strong labor force and adding more bus shelters. Hahn also vowed to make it a point to ride the metro system more while she is chair, saying she'll use those trips to inform her new role. To read more about on the transition, click here.
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Get Your Message in VICA Weekly!
VICA members can promote their business, events and news in VICA Weekly. Member messages are available for $50 per week or $175 for four weeks. Messages are text-based and may not contain more than 70 words. A logo may be added for an additional $5 per week. For more information or to schedule your member message, contact yoko@vica.com or call (818) 817-0545.
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ABOUT VICA
Presenting the business perspective on behalf of employers in the
San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas,
Hidden Hills, San Fernando and Santa Clarita.
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