Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes SB 1345 (SMALLWOOD-CUEVAS)
The Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce joins California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to respectfully OPPOSE SB 1345 (Smallwood-Cuevas) as a JOB KILLER. The California Fair Chance Act strikes a careful balance between removing barriers to the workforce for workers with a conviction history and the need to consider that history for certain job positions. SB 1345 would eliminate employers’ ability to run a background check or consider conviction history unless they meet one of the narrow
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 2499 (SCHIAVO)
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has joined California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to OPPOSE AB 2499 (Schiavo). AB 2499 expands leave mandates for small businesses, which have already been subject to nine new leave laws in just the last four years. AB 2499 is duplicative and unnecessary as it expands an uncapped leave mandate to cover scenarios addressed under existing leave laws, or where there is no urgency. California currently has robust protections for employees who are victims of
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 2374 (HANEY)
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce joins forces with California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to respectfully OPPOSE AB 2374 (Haney). AB 2374transforms the Displaced Janitor Opportunity Act into a joint liability statute under which any size company in California becomes liable for the failure of a contractor to comply with the Act and is now responsible for new notice and scheduling obligations for workers who are not its employees. The Act already provides robust, job retention
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes SB 1434 (DURAZO)
The California Chamber of Commerce OPPOSE your SB 1434 (Durazo)The California Chamber of Commerce and the undersigned respectfully OPPOSE your SB 1434 (Durazo), as introduced February 16, 2024, as a JOB KILLER because it would be a massive increase in unemployment insurance taxes for every single employer in California. In brief, SB 1434is a vast re-working of California’s unemployment insurance (UI) system, including the following elements: - Historic increase of traditional UI taxes for employers via
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes SB 1299 (CORTESE)
SB 1299 (CORTESE) FARMWORKERS: BENEFITS OPPOSE – AS AMENDED MARCH 21, 2024The California Chamber of Commerce and the organizations listed respectfully OPPOSE SB 1299 (Cortese).We are unaware of data to support the presumption proposed by SB 1299. Further, the presumption would apply even in situations where any link between the employer’s conduct and a heat related illness or injury is tangential, at best, and appears to mandate that WCAB evaluate employer compliance with regulations created by a
CalChamber Releases Initial 2024 Job Killer List
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber stands with the California Chamber of Commerce in opposition of the "job killer" bills they have released (as of April 7,2024). To date, this includes nine bills dealing with labor and employment, taxation, unemployment insurance, environmental and health care issues. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is thankful to have partners like CalChamber advocating for the business community. "Our Chamber is thankful for strong advocacy partners like the Tri-County Chamber Alliance and
CalChamber Sponsors Bill to Protect Small Businesses
Makes Family Leave Mediation Program Permanent Legislation sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce to ease the regulatory burden on small businesses is moving in the California Assembly. AB 2011 (Bauer-Kahan; D-Orinda) makes permanent the Civil Rights Department small employer family leave mediation program, benefitting both workers and small employers. Read Full Article Here
Chamber Opposes SB 1116 (Portantino)
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has signed a letter Opposing SB 1116 (Portantino) on Unemployment Insurance: Trade Disputes - eligibility for benefits. This Bill has been labeled a JOB KILLER by Cal Chamber because it would effectively require employers to subsidize striking workers, even if that employer is not presently (or has never) experienced any strikes. By forcing employers to pay unemployment insurance (UI) payments to striking workers, SB 1116 would also raise unemployment insurance taxes on
Santa Barbara County Unemployment & Labor Market Data - January 2024
The following data is provided by the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board:
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Receives Regional Recognition for Teacher Tours Program
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Receives Regional Recognition for Teacher Tours Program Teacher Tours Program awarded “Outstanding Chamber Program” Recognition at Western Association of Chamber Executives’ (W.A.C.E) 2024 Annual Conference The Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s Teacher Tours Program has been recognized as an “Outstanding Chamber Program” by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) at their Annual Conference earlier this month. The program was selected through an application
Building a Local Talent Pipeline: Chamber Sees Collaboration & Expansion in Workforce Development Pr
Building a Local Talent Pipeline: Chamber Sees Collaboration & Expansion in Workforce Development Programming Over the past year, the Chamber has expanded its Workforce Development programs and partnerships initiatives. “Ensuring businesses can count on a pipeline of workers trained for local jobs & careers” is one of the organization’s strategic priorities, and we continue to work on expanding our educational partnerships and developing a strong regional talent pipeline to meet business and
Be a part of the Chamber’s Expanded Business & Government Roundtable
Hello Chamber Members, Operating a business anywhere is challenging. Labor, supply chains, cost of capital, and many other factors impact the ability of all businesses to grow. Additionally, legislative and regulatory action have very real and lasting impacts (positive or negative) on our local economy. The Chamber helps local businesses address these challenges by serving as the collective voice in legislative and regulatory discussions. We seek to be a trusted source of information to help
“State of the City 2023” video on cable, online
“State of the City 2023” video on cable, online Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino’s “State of the City 2023” address of October 25th is available for viewing anytime on multiple platforms and with closed captioning in English and Spanish. Watch and learn about new housing and downtown revitalization, efforts to expand the City’s boundaries, new parks, declining crime rates, challenges, and so much more. The 47-minute video plays every day at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the City of Santa Maria’s government
Elected Officials Provide Array of Business Resources to Local Community
Elected officials are often known for their work in advocacy and public policy. What many may not be aware of is the array of free business resources available through public offices at the local, county and state level. We had a chance to talk with some of our local elected officials on the resources and assistance they provide the business community. Senator Monique Limón’s office provides direct assistance and in-person support for businesses Senator Monique Limón’s office says they are always there