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CCA's Executive Committee Moves on November Ballot Measures
CCA's Executive Committee met this week to discuss and take action on State and local initiatives appearing on November's ballot. Following extensive discussion at CCA's Government Relations Committee, the Executive Committee, also, took a close look at the measures and any undue consequences the initiatives could have on the business community.
Though concerned about the increasing bond debt at the State level, the Executive Committee moved to support the Statewide Infrastructure Bond (
Proposition 1A-E
) and the Water Quality Bond (
Proposition 84
), which will provide much-needed funding for California's infrastructure, as this infrastructure has been neglected in the state budget for more than two decades. The Committee voted to stay neutral on
Proposition 86
, a tobacco tax measure that will provide revenues for hospital emergency care and children's health care. The Committee emphasized that it is important that the State find a more permanent and germane source of funding for hospitals and health care, however.
CCA's Executive Committee followed CCA's Government Relations' Committee's recommendation and opposed
Proposition 87
(Tax on Oil),
Proposition 88
(Parcel Tax / Education),
Proposition 89
(Campaign Financing), and
Proposition 90
(Eminent Domain). The Committee expressed strong opposition to Proposition 90, which has the potential to result in unintended consequences that could have serious ramifications on the business community and the economy.
CCA's Executive Committee voted to support
Measure J
(Regional Fire Stations), which will allow the L.A.F.D. to build on denser sites; and
Measure R
(Term Limits / Ethics Laws). Measure R has been ordered removed from the ballot by a Superior Court judge. CCA is waiting to see whether that decision will be appealed.
CCA moved to endorse Measure H , the $1 Billion Housing Bond, in August. CCA will be holding a fundraiser in support of Measure H on September 29th.
CCA-Endorsed Bills Awaiting Governor's Signature
As the legislative session in Sacramento ends, CCA is happy to note that several bills that CCA has worked tirelessly to support are awaiting the Governor's signature. These bills are
Senator Cedillo's
SB 1322 regarding homelessness,
Assembly Speaker Nunez'
AB 1381, which is
Mayor Villaraigosa's
education reform plan, and
Speaker Nunez'
AB 2987, which relates to telecommunications.
SB 1322 will require cities to specify areas for homeless shelters within their jurisdictions as part of their General Plans. Cities like Los Angeles, that currently provide a high level of service to the homeless, would be exempt. CCA has been working closely with
Senator Cedillo
on this measure and others he has sponsored that target Downtown's drug and homelessness problem. President & CEO
Carol Schatz
and CCA staff have traveled to Sacramento on several occasions to advocate for this legislation.
AB 1381 will grant
Mayor Villaraigosa
and the LAUSD Superintendent more control over and accountability for the school district, which has a graduation rate hovering around 50%. CCA has been very supportive of the Mayor's efforts and has worked closely with his office to advance this measure.
AB 2987 will shift regulation of cable television from local jurisdictions to the State. This is an exciting move for the State's telecommunications industry, as this measure provides a fair and level playing field. CCA members
Tim McCallion
of
Verizon
and
Dave Nichols
of
AT&T
have been leading statewide efforts in support of this legislation, and CCA staff has testified in support and been advocating for this legislation since early this year.
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• CCA President & CEO Carol Schatz met with the Mayor and other leading business organizations to discuss business retention and attraction strategies in Los Angeles. CCA is pushing development reform as a key priority. • On September 29th, CCA will host a breakfast fundraiser in support of Measure H, the $1 Billion Housing Bond that grew out of CCA's 2004 "Housing For All: Fair Share Program" publication. CCA is very excited to see this measure on the November ballot and asks for your generous support! Please contact CCA's Events Management Consultant, Joella Hopkins at 213-624-1213 if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities. • CCA's Arts & Education Committee had a successful first meeting with Downtown's LAUSD Superintendent Richard Alonzo. This committee will be meeting on a regular basis to discuss increasing and enhancing educational and artistic opportunities Downtown.
"This isn't just a cute little tourist attraction," said Carol Schatz, president and chief executive of the influential Central City Assn., which represents downtown businesses. "We need a sophisticated and fun circulator that ties together all the vibrant districts that are spread around downtown." Sept. 5, L.A. Times , " In Los Angeles, the Desire of Some is Named Streetcar ," by Steve Hymon.
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