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Governmental Relations Committee ObjectivesTo identify and keep effective action on legislation, both enacted and proposed, which impacts members. Keep membership informed of current and pending legislation and effectively communicate Chamber positions on legislative issues. Program List: Create a public policy platform which would enable the Governmental Relations Committee to take positions on business issues in a more timely manner. To become an active member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Be proactive, not reactive, in regards to local, state and federal legislation that has an impact on business in Claremont. Develop a stronger relationship with our local legislators so that we can give our members a voice in these issues, by having weekly conference calls between The California Chamber and our CEO. Meets every third Tuesday from 7:30am until 9:00 am at the DoubleTree Hotel, Claremont Chair: Committee Members: Current IssuesAt the March meeting the Board voted to support the GRC recommendation to oppose Propositions 16 & 17. Prop 16CLAREMONT CHAMBER GRC REVIEW OF PENDING LEGISLATION Proposed Bill: Proposition 16 Description: The measure would require any government public entity to get approval of two-thirds of voters before launching or expanding its electric power service, or floating bonds to finance the service. Why support the Prop? As local governments struggle to fund the most essential and basic services, they should not be spending millions of public dollars or debt to get into the retail electricity business. People should have the right to vote on such expenditures. Who opposes the Prop? The Utility Reform Network, State Senators(Darrell Steinberg, Mark Leno, Jenny Oropeza, Lois Wolk, Christine Kehoe, Alan Lowenthal, Gilbert Cedillo and Dean Florez), San Francisco Guardian, Oakland Tribune, Palo Alto City Council, Modesto Irrigation District. Why oppose the Prop? Two-Thirds vote requirement is too restrictive. Reduces the ability of people to choose between private and public utility companies. Worst kind of special interest ballot proposition. It would basically benefit private electricity providers, especially one corporation (PG&E). The measure proves that California's initiative process has become "a plaything” of powerful interests. Which Chamber Members would be positively impacted? SCE Which Chamber Members would be negatively impacted? Unknown What position should the Chamber take? Strongly Oppose Legislative Analyst's Office Comments on Prop 16
Prop 17CLAREMONT CHAMBER GRC REVIEW OF PENDING LEGISLATION Proposed Bill: Proposition 17 Who supports the Prop? Mercury Insurance, Consumers Coalition of California, California Alliance for Consumer Protection, Consumers First, California Senior Advocates League, American GI Forum, California Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Action Committee, California Black Chamber of Commerce, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, California Mexican-American Chamber of Commerce, League of United Latin American Citizens, California Taxpayer Protection Committee. Why support the Prop? Proponents argue that the initiative will increase competition, which will lower rates and result in reduced premiums, while providing California drivers with more options and choices in their insurance coverage. Insurance companies will still be required to base auto insurance rates on Proposition 103's top three mandatory rating factors: driving safety record, miles driven annually and driving experience. This would be an additional discount that insurers could offer. Who opposes the Prop? Harvey Rosenfield (Prop 103 – of 1988- supporter), Consumer Watchdog, Michael Hiltzik - a Los Angeles Times Columnist, Consumer Federation of California. Why oppose the Prop? The measure’s impact would be to charge more, or deny coverage altogether, when an insurance applicant has a gap in coverage It would not benefit unemployed workers, soldiers serving away, senior citizens, students, and others who may not be able to maintain continuous coverage (without a 90 day lapse). Which Chamber Members would be positively impacted? Potentially All Which Chamber Members would be negatively impacted? Potentially All What position should the Chamber take? Oppose Legislative Analyst's Office Comments on Prop 17
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