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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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- VICA Advocacy Leads to Victories at the City and State Level
- VICA Continues Advocacy on State Legislation
- VICA is Hiring!
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"We came to the table and hammered out a deal that works for both businesses and workers, and it will bring needed improvements to this system. This proposal maintains strong protections for workers, provides incentives for businesses to comply with labor laws and reduces litigation."
Governor Gavin Newsom
Statement on Agreement on PAGA Reform
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VICA Advocacy Garners Victories at City and State Levels | |
This week at VICA, we are proud to spotlight two pivotal advancements that underscore our ongoing commitment to shaping the economic and regulatory landscape of our region. | |
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Advancement on the Los Angeles Convention Center Expansion Project
On Tuesday, VICA, alongside various business and community organizations, advocated for the Convention Center Expansion Project. After enduring prolonged advocacy and numerous delays, the Los Angeles City Council's Trade, Travel, and Tourism Committee approved the project unanimously. It is now set to proceed to the Budget Committee on June 26 and will be up for consideration at the City Council meeting on Friday, June 28.
This proposed expansion is poised to catalyze substantial economic benefits for Los Angeles. It is expected to create numerous permanent jobs, stimulate economic activity through increased tourism, and generate over $2.9 billion in bookings over the next 30 years. Additionally, it will contribute approximately $600 million in tax revenue to the city's general fund. Such an investment will help Los Angeles maintain its competitive edge, especially as other cities invest heavily in their convention facilities.
As we approach the summer recess deadline, we urge you to contact your representatives and express your support for the Convention Center Expansion, emphasizing the critical economic and community benefits it will bring to our city.
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Senate Bill 720 (Stern) Proposal Gut & Amended
In a legislative win, Senator Durazo gutted and amended SB 720, initially concerning aviation emissions and sustainable aviation fuel. This amendment represents a victory for regional airports, including Van Nuys Airport and Hollywood Burbank Airport, as the original provisions could have adversely affected their operations. The updated bill aligns better with regional transportation needs, ensuring that our airports function efficiently and contribute to the local economy.
Details on the amended version of the bill can be found here.
These advancements demonstrate VICA's ongoing commitment to shaping policies that bolster our community's economic health and infrastructure.
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Major Ballot Initiatives Face Reforms and Upsets Ahead of Deadline | |
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Taxpayer Protection Initiative Removed from Ballot by California Supreme Court
On Thursday, the California Supreme Court removed the "Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act" ballot measure from the November 2024 ballot, which presents significant concerns for the business community. This measure was initially designed to make raising taxes more difficult, ensure that tax hikes would require broader voter approval, promote fiscal discipline, and protect taxpayers.
The measures introduced were out of growing concern among businesses and taxpayer advocates about the escalating tax burdens on Californians and their businesses without sufficient taxpayer oversight. Businesses feared that without such measures, there could be a rapid increase in taxes that would disproportionately impact the economic environment and burden all economic stakeholders. The measure was a safeguard against potential fiscal mismanagement and aimed to ensure a stable tax landscape.
The court's decision to remove this measure from the ballot presents a significant setback for fiscal responsibility in California. Enforcing stricter voter approval for tax increases is crucial for transparency and accountability in government spending. This will leave many businesses vulnerable to unpredictable tax increases, impacting California's growth.
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PAGA Reform Initiative Withdrawn Admist Compromise and Progress
On Tuesday, a significant compromise had been reached regarding the reform of the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), pulling the reform initiative from the November 2024 ballot. This reform was initially driven by concerns about the misuse of PAGA, which allowed employees and their attorneys to sue employers for labor violations, often leading to costly litigation.
The compromise involves key changes to PAGA, including capping penalties for employers who promptly adjust their practices, increasing penalty payments allocated to workers, and requiring employees to have directly experienced the violations they report. These changes aim to balance the need for worker protection with businesses' concerns over legal overreach and costly litigation, which could deter business operations and growth.
VICA supports this compromise as an approach that addresses the core issues associated with PAGA while reforming the misused aspects of the statute. VICA, along with our business coalition, views this as a negation that preserves PAGA in a way that is less burdensome for employers and instead fosters a business environment that is fair and conducive for businesses.
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VICA Continues Another Week of Advocacy in the State Legislature | |
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This week, VICA submitted letters and advocated ahead of various policy committees in the state legislature. Our efforts focused on key proposals for this week, including:
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AB 1575 (Irwin): Introduces advisers for student codes of conduct in public postsecondary institutions to enhance support systems.
- Last Action: Re-referred to Appropriations.
- VICA Supports
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AB 1779 (Irwin): Enhances theft law enforcement by clarifying jurisdictional definitions.
- Passed Appropriations Committee, Heading to Floor Vote
- VICA Supports
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AB 1802 (Jones-Sawyer): Strengthens laws against organized theft by increasing penalties.
- Passed Appropriations Committee, Heading to Floor Vote
- VICA Supports
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AB 2943 (R. Rivas): Expands the legal definition of shoplifting to include various forms of theft.
- Last Action: Passed Appropriations, heading to Floor Vote
- VICA Supports
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SB 1144 (Skinner): Introduces regulations for online marketplaces to ensure fair business practices and consumer protection.
- Passed Appropriations Committee, Heading to Floor Vote
- VICA Supports
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SB 1420 (Caballero): Advocates for the development and use of hydrogen.
- Pass the Assembly Utilities & Commerce Committee, moving to the Natural Resources Committee
- VICA Supports
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SB 1524 (Dodd): Strengthens consumer protection by enforcing stricter regulations on misleading advertisements in the food service industry.
- Passed Privacy & Consumer Protections Committee
- VICA Supports
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SB 1446 (Smallwood-Cuevas): This bill proposes restrictions on the use of self-service checkout systems, which would stifle technological innovation and increase store operational costs.
- Passed the Assembly Labor & Employment Committee
- VICA Opposes
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SB 1272 (Laird): Would regulate gift certificates, potentially adding more bureaucratic layers that could hinder business operations.
- Passed Privacy & Consumer Protections Committee
- VICA Opposes
VICA will continue to monitor and advocate for legislation that impacts our community, ensuring that the business community's interests are well-represented and supported in the legislative process.
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Transportation Committee
July 9 at 8:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Aviation Committee
July 16 at Noon
At the VICA Office
Sponsored by Aeroplex Aerolease
RSVP
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Government Affairs Committee
July 17 at Noon
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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Sacramento Advocacy Day Trip
Tuesday, June 25 || All-Day
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VICA’s regular advocacy trips to the state capitol are crucial to ensuring the voice of the business community is heard by legislators.
These member-only trips allow direct interaction with state elected officials and create the freedom for discussion on issues that are vital to our members. Join VICA in Sacramento for one of our monthly advocacy trips.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be heard on how legislation affects your company.
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Proposed LA County Ballot Measure to Revise Sales Tax
A new ballot measure has been proposed in Los Angeles County to revise the sales tax structure. This measure will have significant implications for local funding of housing and homelessness. Read more on the proposed measure.
Recommendations to Complete Convention Center Before '28 Olympics
City staff have recommended completing the expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center before the 2028 Olympics to accommodate the expected influx of visitors and events. Details on Recommendations are found here.
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Commission to Study Changes to the Los Angeles City Charter
A new commission has been formed to study potential Los Angeles City Charter changes. This initiative reflects ongoing discussions about governance and administrative adjustments within the city. Read about the commission's objectives here.
Supreme Court Rules on Wealth Tax
The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a ruling regarding a wealth tax, marking a significant decision that has nationwide implications for economic policy and tax reform. Read more about the Supreme Court's decision 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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