2007 Issues Policy
This issues policy is a guide to the Regional Legislative Alliance of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties in addressing legislative and policy matters. Alliance members are required to have authority from their boards of directors to take action on behalf of their organization. The purpose of this policy is to streamline the RLA’s position voting on the issues outlined below, however not limiting the group to these focus areas.
Employment
Benefits and Health Care – Oppose state-imposed mandates that penalize the employer, and other issues that negatively impact businesses
Labor Code Changes –Oppose government mandated programs that negatively impact business. Support government mandated programs that encourage business retention in the region.
Flexible Work Week – Support wage and hour rules that base overtime on a 40-hour workweek rather than on eight hours per day.
Living Wage – Oppose government mandated “living wage” programs that exceed the federal minimum wage standard.
Minimum Wage – Oppose increases in the California state minimum wage that exceed the federal standard and formulas that tie the minimum wage to an index.
HousingSupport strategies that include promoting a full range of housing in all communities; establishing federal and state incentives for providing workforce housing; and reforming the regulatory framework to eliminate unnecessary barriers to providing housing.
State GovernanceBudget Process – Support reform of the California budgeting process.
Redistricting – Support efforts to reform redistricting process.
California Coastal Commission – We believe the Coastal Commission's resources and attention should be focused on issues exclusively in the primary coastal zone. Planning actions that fall outside of the primary coastal zone should be left to those government agencies that have the proper and appropriate planning jurisdiction. Business owners need clear and concise regulatory direction to operate efficiently. Expanding the Coastal Commission's authority outside of its legislatively established authorities, will lead to confusing and potentially contradictory regulatory proceedings that inhibit economic development.
Taxes and Fees on Business
Examine and monitor changes/additions to fees and assessments affecting business by state, federal and local governments. Support the return of ERAF monies to local government and protect designated tax revenues.
Workers’ Compensation
Goal is to reduce costs to employers and to pay appropriate benefits to injured workers. Support reform of the workers’ compensation system and policies to reduce fraud and abuse. Support limits on the ability of workers to receive benefits for non-work related injuries and other conditions.
InfrastructureSupport policies and legislation that encourage continuing improvement in California’s infrastructure, which supports stronger businesses and job growth.
Communications— Support a uniform state policy that encourages continued investment in the telecommunications industry and improves access to broadband Internet connections.
Water and Wastewater— Support a long-term, comprehensive water plan that includes new supply, storage, and conveyance elements. Support legislation and policy that encourages realistic, fair and consistent discharge requirements on large and small business owners.
Transportation— Support long-term, stable federal, state, county and local funding sources that will maintain, repair and increase mobility in the state’s highways and overall transportation system.
Energy— Support legislation and policy that encourages a reliable source of consistent, affordable and diverse energy supplies, including renewable sources.