Support for Increased Launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base
July 24, 2024 Dr. Caryl Hart Chairwoman, CA Coastal Commission 455 Market Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94105 SENT VIA EMAILDear Chairwoman Hart,I write to you on behalf of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce in Northern Santa Barbara County to express our strong support for the United States Space Force's proposal to increase launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This proposal represents a significant opportunity not only for the base but also for our local community and the broader
CalChamber Releases Statement Following Governor’s Signature on PAGA Reform Bills
The California Chamber of Commerce yesterday released the following statement after Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law two Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) reform measures—AB 2288 (Kalra; D-San Jose) and SB 92 (Umberg; D-Santa Ana): “Many legislators have called the agreement reached to reform PAGA ‘monumental’ and we could not agree more,” said CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera. “Governor Newsom’s signature on these two bills represents a successful conclusion to months of hard work
California Small Businesses Eligible for Paid Family Leave Grants - Online application is open
[SANTA MARIA, CA. July 1, 2024] -- Eligible small businesses across California can now apply for grants of up to $2,000 per employee through California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. This initiative, funded by the California Employment Training Panel and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, aims to support small businesses in managing the additional costs incurred when employees take leave.These grants are designed to help small businesses cover expenses such as cross-training existing
Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 2557
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber opposes AB 2557. The measure will place costly, impractical and burdensome requirements on local agencies that contract with vital service providers, such as non-profits, community-based organizations, and other private entities, threatening the delivery of essential services to everyone, but especially services for California’s most vulnerable. AB 2557 imposes new bureaucratic requirements mandating local agencies to list on their agency’s website all financial expenditures
California's Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Required by July 1
California's Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Required by July 1 The new requirement for a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan is effective July 1, 2024. Businesses are responsible for the development of this plan as part of your company’s safety requirements. If you have not yet started developing this, here are some resources to help you complete your plan prior to the July 1 deadline: General Information with links and resources: Cal/OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention for General Industry (Non-health
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
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:
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