I am pleased to let you know that the Small Business California sponsored bill SB 869 was signed by the Governor last week. This bill will go after businesses that are not providing workers compensation for their employees thereby creating an unlevel playing field for those of you that are playing by the rules. In brief what it does is have the EDD provide to the Workers Compensation Insurance Board Rating Board [ WCIRB] a list of employers and the WCIRB cross checking the list with there list of employers with workers compensation.
Thank you to all of you that sent letters of support for this. We also owe a lot of thank to Lori Kammerer our lobbyist, Senator Mark Ridley Thomas the bills author, Luanne Murikawa the legislative assistant to Senator Ridley Thomas and Lach Taylor at the Commission on Health Safety and Workers Compensation[CHSWC] and Bill Zachary from Safeway.
The person however that really made this happen was Christine Baker the Executive Director of CHSWC. Christine worked tirelessly with us and is one of the best friends small business has in state government I would like to ask all of you to send an email of thanks to Christine. She can be reached at CBaker@dir.ca.gov. Thank you Christine for all you have done for us.
On Thursday I will be going to Washington and presenting the Small Business California Energy Hero award to Senators John Kerry and Olympia Snowe and Small Business House Committee Chair Nydia Velázquez for their legislation to help small businesses be recognized in the efforts to reduce reduce global warming. We are 50% of the economy of this country and these people have not only acknowledge this but put forth legislation to help us. The legislation is now part of the overall energy bills in the house and the Senate. Joining me will be Byron Kennard from the Center for Small Business and the Environment, Kyle Kempf from the National Small Business Association, John Arensmeyer from the Small Business Majority and Chris Lynch from the Small Business Development Center in Pennsylvania.
On Friday Small Business California will be part of a Senate hearing put together by another small business hero Byron Kennard from the Center for Small Business and the Environment.
Friday afternoon and through the weekend I will be representing Small Business California at a conference we are co sponsoring for Volunteers in Medicine. I am the Vice Chair of this great organization which develops free clinics around the country for the working uninsured. We now have 57 clinics and what we do is take retired doctors ,nurses and dentist who provide health services to these people that are making to much money to be able to get public assistance and yet cannot afford health insurance for themselves and their families. Please visit our website at www.vimi.org
Small Business California is making a difference. I hope you are proud to be a part of our organization. I would like to acknowledge Hank Ryan from the SB Cal board for all that he has done for small business in the energy area. He is in my opinion the most knowledgeable person in the country on small business energy issues and has had remarkable success in promoting On Bill Financing not only in California but around the country. Last week the CPUC endorsed On Bill Financing and said that it will take effect around California in 2009.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
phone: 415 680-2188
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Healthcare Reform NOW!!
Dear Small Business California,
Small Business California believes the number one issue for California small business is health insurance. We urge you to sign on to our health campaign by going to our voter voice page at:
www.votervoice.net/groups/sbca
If you are new to votervoice, please register and you will then be able to sign on to a letter that will be sent to the Governor, Senate and Assembly members, and the Committees on Health via email and mail. If you have registered with votervoice, simply log on and sign on. When finished, please forward the link to others you know to increase our support effort. For further information on the health debate here in California, visit our website at www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org and check out the link under "News and Updates" to the Governor's "Fixing Our Broken Healthcare System" website. If you would rather send your own letter of support, without using voter voice, please reference the letter attached and contact information for the Governor, Assembly Speaker Nunez and Senator Perata (see below). This is very important. This will be the last thing I will ask you to do this year. Thank you for your support!
Scott Hauge President Small Business California
phone: 415 680- 2109
www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
www.smallbusinesscalifornia.blogspot3.com
"The voice of California Small Business"
Contact Info via email for the Governor, Senator Perata and Assembly Speaker Nunez:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger can be emailed on his website @ http://gov.ca.gov/interact#
Assembly Speaker Nunez can be emailed on his website @ http://www.assembly.ca.gov/clerk/MEMBERINFORMATION/memberdir_1.asp
Senator Don Perata's email address is Senator.Perata@sen.ca.gov
Please use our campaign letter attached as reference if you wish. Thank you.
Small Business California believes the number one issue for California small business is health insurance. We urge you to sign on to our health campaign by going to our voter voice page at:
www.votervoice.net/groups/sbca
If you are new to votervoice, please register and you will then be able to sign on to a letter that will be sent to the Governor, Senate and Assembly members, and the Committees on Health via email and mail. If you have registered with votervoice, simply log on and sign on. When finished, please forward the link to others you know to increase our support effort. For further information on the health debate here in California, visit our website at www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org and check out the link under "News and Updates" to the Governor's "Fixing Our Broken Healthcare System" website. If you would rather send your own letter of support, without using voter voice, please reference the letter attached and contact information for the Governor, Assembly Speaker Nunez and Senator Perata (see below). This is very important. This will be the last thing I will ask you to do this year. Thank you for your support!
Scott Hauge President Small Business California
phone: 415 680- 2109
www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
www.smallbusinesscalifornia.blogspot3.com
"The voice of California Small Business"
Contact Info via email for the Governor, Senator Perata and Assembly Speaker Nunez:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger can be emailed on his website @ http://gov.ca.gov/interact#
Assembly Speaker Nunez can be emailed on his website @ http://www.assembly.ca.gov/clerk/MEMBERINFORMATION/memberdir_1.asp
Senator Don Perata's email address is Senator.Perata@sen.ca.gov
Please use our campaign letter attached as reference if you wish. Thank you.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Small Business Energy Efficiency
As you all know last month I testified before the Senate Small Business committee on behalf of the National Small Business Association and Small Business California. Testifying with me was Byron Kenard from the Center for Small Business and the Environment and Chris Lynch from the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center.
As a result legislation has been introduced per the below email from Brian Rice in Senator Kerry's office.
What is particularly significant to Small Business California is the reference to On Bill Financing that Hank Ryan has been working on around the country. It is good to see our efforts paying off. We now have a bill in the House and the Senate to help small businesses in the energy arena.
I would also like to thank Kyle Kempf from the National Small Business Association for all his efforts in helping me with my testimony and efforts in getting small business recognized in Washington.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
Email:
Byron,
Senator Kerry and Senator Snowe introduced the attached legislation, and filed it as an amendment to the energy bill. Please take a look, we look forward to hearing what you think. Specifically, the bill does the
following:
Small Business Energy Efficiency (Kerry/Snowe)
* Requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to implement an energy efficiency program that was mandated in the 2005 Energy Policy Act.
* Establishes a program to increase energy efficiency through energy audits at Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).
* Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee "on-bill financing"
agreements between businesses and electric utility companies, to cover a utility company's risk in entering into such an agreement.
* Creates a telecommuting through a pilot program at SBA. The SBA Administrator is authorized to establish a program that produces educational materials and performs outreach to small businesses on the benefits of telecommuting.
* Creates a priority status within the SBIR and STTR programs that ensures high priority be given to small business concerns participating in energy efficiency or renewable energy system research and development projects.
* Establishes loans for businesses seeking to transfer to renewable sources of energy.
-Brian
As a result legislation has been introduced per the below email from Brian Rice in Senator Kerry's office.
What is particularly significant to Small Business California is the reference to On Bill Financing that Hank Ryan has been working on around the country. It is good to see our efforts paying off. We now have a bill in the House and the Senate to help small businesses in the energy arena.
I would also like to thank Kyle Kempf from the National Small Business Association for all his efforts in helping me with my testimony and efforts in getting small business recognized in Washington.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
Email:
Byron,
Senator Kerry and Senator Snowe introduced the attached legislation, and filed it as an amendment to the energy bill. Please take a look, we look forward to hearing what you think. Specifically, the bill does the
following:
Small Business Energy Efficiency (Kerry/Snowe)
* Requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to implement an energy efficiency program that was mandated in the 2005 Energy Policy Act.
* Establishes a program to increase energy efficiency through energy audits at Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).
* Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee "on-bill financing"
agreements between businesses and electric utility companies, to cover a utility company's risk in entering into such an agreement.
* Creates a telecommuting through a pilot program at SBA. The SBA Administrator is authorized to establish a program that produces educational materials and performs outreach to small businesses on the benefits of telecommuting.
* Creates a priority status within the SBIR and STTR programs that ensures high priority be given to small business concerns participating in energy efficiency or renewable energy system research and development projects.
* Establishes loans for businesses seeking to transfer to renewable sources of energy.
-Brian
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Health Care Compromise
I would be interested in your thoughts on this as this means if passed that all employers would have to pay 7.5% into their employees health cost and individuals would not be required to get coverage.
As Follows:
State Democrats to unveilcompromise health planThe bill would reject Gov. Schwarzenegger's call for mandatory insurance but require all employers to spend at least 7.5% of payroll costs on healthcare.By Jordan Rau and Evan Halper, Times Staff Writers11:23 AM PDT, June 21, 2007 SACRAMENTO -- The Legislature's Democratic leaders have agreed to require all California employers to spend at least 7.5% of their payroll costs on healthcare but have rejected Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal that everyone in the state obtain insurance.State Senate and Assembly leaders this morning planned to announce their joint healthcare bill, a combination of two similar proposals recently passed by each chamber.Most significantly, they agreed to drop the Senate plan to require that Californians with more than modest incomes get insurance. That was intended to be the middle ground between Schwarzenegger's insistence on universal coverage and the Assembly's rejection of any requirement that people have insurance.Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) also agreed to apply the business requirement to every enterprise except the self-employed. The Assembly plan provided large exemptions for businesses with only one employee, those with payrolls of less than $100,000 and those that had been in operation for three or fewer years.At a morning news conference in Sacramento, Schwarzenegger praised lawmakers for moving forward but said, "The only way the healthcare reform is going to work is if you have mandatory healthcare insurance."He downplayed the significance of the Democrats' legislation, saying the final outcome would be worked out in private negotiations and could turn out dramatically different."What you see now is not really what counts," he said. "What counts is the outcome. And it can turn very quickly."Schwarzenegger dismissed a suggestion that his healthcare proposal, unveiled in January, conflicted with his reelection campaign promise not to raise taxes. An opinion from the Legislature's nonpartisan counsel said the governor's plan to raise $4.4 billion a year from assessments on employers and healthcare providers qualified as a tax, not a fee as the governor maintains."I don't get kind of tied up on 'is it a tax, is it a fee,' " Schwarzenegger said. "To me, I look at it as a fee. I stick with that."The distinction is significant because taxes require two-thirds support in the Legislature, something Democrats cannot muster alone and Republicans have so far been loath to back.
jordan.rau@latimes.com
evan.halper@latimes.com
As Follows:
State Democrats to unveilcompromise health planThe bill would reject Gov. Schwarzenegger's call for mandatory insurance but require all employers to spend at least 7.5% of payroll costs on healthcare.By Jordan Rau and Evan Halper, Times Staff Writers11:23 AM PDT, June 21, 2007 SACRAMENTO -- The Legislature's Democratic leaders have agreed to require all California employers to spend at least 7.5% of their payroll costs on healthcare but have rejected Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal that everyone in the state obtain insurance.State Senate and Assembly leaders this morning planned to announce their joint healthcare bill, a combination of two similar proposals recently passed by each chamber.Most significantly, they agreed to drop the Senate plan to require that Californians with more than modest incomes get insurance. That was intended to be the middle ground between Schwarzenegger's insistence on universal coverage and the Assembly's rejection of any requirement that people have insurance.Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) also agreed to apply the business requirement to every enterprise except the self-employed. The Assembly plan provided large exemptions for businesses with only one employee, those with payrolls of less than $100,000 and those that had been in operation for three or fewer years.At a morning news conference in Sacramento, Schwarzenegger praised lawmakers for moving forward but said, "The only way the healthcare reform is going to work is if you have mandatory healthcare insurance."He downplayed the significance of the Democrats' legislation, saying the final outcome would be worked out in private negotiations and could turn out dramatically different."What you see now is not really what counts," he said. "What counts is the outcome. And it can turn very quickly."Schwarzenegger dismissed a suggestion that his healthcare proposal, unveiled in January, conflicted with his reelection campaign promise not to raise taxes. An opinion from the Legislature's nonpartisan counsel said the governor's plan to raise $4.4 billion a year from assessments on employers and healthcare providers qualified as a tax, not a fee as the governor maintains."I don't get kind of tied up on 'is it a tax, is it a fee,' " Schwarzenegger said. "To me, I look at it as a fee. I stick with that."The distinction is significant because taxes require two-thirds support in the Legislature, something Democrats cannot muster alone and Republicans have so far been loath to back.
jordan.rau@latimes.com
evan.halper@latimes.com
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Small Business California Update
From: Scott Hauge
I want to give you an update on what Small Business California has been doing the last few weeks.
First we continue to be involved in the health debate and are looking at the possibility of doing a statewide survey of small business and their positions. We may even do a statewide media campaign. If we do this we will have to move very quickly as session closes in September. I hope all of you will respond to the survey. If we do a media campaign I would appreciate knowing if you would be willing to talk to the media in your area. Please let me know by return email.
Second we have a position on the task force that will be involved in implementing AB2330 [Arambula]. This was the bill that required the state to do a study of the cost of regulations for small businesses versus larger businesses. I think this is really important as the Federal government has done this and their is about a 40% difference between larger companies and companies with less than 20 employees. Marty Keller who was recently named as the Governors Small Business Advocate is heading this up and I must say I was very impressed with the way he handled the meeting Tuesday.
Third our bill SB 869 will be moving to the Assembly. This is the bill that will go after businesses not providing workers compensation for their employees. I will be asking you at some point to send letters of support for this bill as it moves through the Assembly.
Fourth I have been named to a state Fraud Task Force. My issue based on what you have told me is the underground economy.
Fifth as you know I was named to the Advisory group that will implement AB 32[ greenhouse gas caps]. Small Business California is fortunate to have Hank Ryan who I consider the most knowledgeable person in the country on small business energy issues. He is helping me get the small business positions incorporated in the goals of the committee
Sixth Hank is also working with the CPUC where Small Business California is an intervener. One major issue he is driving is to have businesses that need permits from the Alcohol, Tobacco agency get expedidited permits for the use of Energy Star products. We met with the Sierra Club on this and they also seem to be very supportive of this initiative.
Seventh we continue to monitor workers compensation bills. There will be activity in this area come September and we are concerned that the reforms that have been so successful in lowering your workers compensation cost do not get dismantled.
Last as you know we have worked on a small business energy bill in the House and are working with the Center for Small Business and the Environment to get a bill in the Senate. We continue to work to get additional funding for Small Business Energy Star and increases in the Small Business Innovation program.
I think we are doing what you have asked us to do and I welcome your comments.
Scott Hauge President Small Business California
I want to give you an update on what Small Business California has been doing the last few weeks.
First we continue to be involved in the health debate and are looking at the possibility of doing a statewide survey of small business and their positions. We may even do a statewide media campaign. If we do this we will have to move very quickly as session closes in September. I hope all of you will respond to the survey. If we do a media campaign I would appreciate knowing if you would be willing to talk to the media in your area. Please let me know by return email.
Second we have a position on the task force that will be involved in implementing AB2330 [Arambula]. This was the bill that required the state to do a study of the cost of regulations for small businesses versus larger businesses. I think this is really important as the Federal government has done this and their is about a 40% difference between larger companies and companies with less than 20 employees. Marty Keller who was recently named as the Governors Small Business Advocate is heading this up and I must say I was very impressed with the way he handled the meeting Tuesday.
Third our bill SB 869 will be moving to the Assembly. This is the bill that will go after businesses not providing workers compensation for their employees. I will be asking you at some point to send letters of support for this bill as it moves through the Assembly.
Fourth I have been named to a state Fraud Task Force. My issue based on what you have told me is the underground economy.
Fifth as you know I was named to the Advisory group that will implement AB 32[ greenhouse gas caps]. Small Business California is fortunate to have Hank Ryan who I consider the most knowledgeable person in the country on small business energy issues. He is helping me get the small business positions incorporated in the goals of the committee
Sixth Hank is also working with the CPUC where Small Business California is an intervener. One major issue he is driving is to have businesses that need permits from the Alcohol, Tobacco agency get expedidited permits for the use of Energy Star products. We met with the Sierra Club on this and they also seem to be very supportive of this initiative.
Seventh we continue to monitor workers compensation bills. There will be activity in this area come September and we are concerned that the reforms that have been so successful in lowering your workers compensation cost do not get dismantled.
Last as you know we have worked on a small business energy bill in the House and are working with the Center for Small Business and the Environment to get a bill in the Senate. We continue to work to get additional funding for Small Business Energy Star and increases in the Small Business Innovation program.
I think we are doing what you have asked us to do and I welcome your comments.
Scott Hauge President Small Business California
Thursday, May 24, 2007
SB 869
I just received word that our bill SB 869 by Senator Ridley Thomas passed the Senate this morning on a vote of 34-2. The two opposed were McClintock and Hollingsworth. As you will recall the purpose of the bill is to go after businesses that have filed with EDD but have no workers compensation coverage. It is estimated there are about 100000 of these businesses.
It will now go to the Assembly where we fully expect it to pass and be signed ultimately by the Governor. Lori Kammerer ,our lobbyist has really made this bill happen.
Thank you to all that wrote letters of support.
On the energy front our small business energy bill HR2389 went to mark up yesterday in the House. It is being introduced by the Chair of the Small Business Committee Nydia Velazquez. The initiative to get this introduced was Speaker Nancy Pelosi. This bill will do a number of things to help small business reduce energy use and assist in financing those energy efficient technologies. It also will require the SBA to provide information and promote energy efficiency ideas. We are working closely with the Center for Small Business and the Environment, the National Small Business Association and the Small Business Majority association. We have had tremendous help and guidance from Russ Orbin who is a staff member of the House Small Business Committee
I hope you feel like Small Business California is out there fighting for you and if you are not a member please consider joining. You can get information on how to do so by visiting our website at www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
Scott Hauge President Small Business California
It will now go to the Assembly where we fully expect it to pass and be signed ultimately by the Governor. Lori Kammerer ,our lobbyist has really made this bill happen.
Thank you to all that wrote letters of support.
On the energy front our small business energy bill HR2389 went to mark up yesterday in the House. It is being introduced by the Chair of the Small Business Committee Nydia Velazquez. The initiative to get this introduced was Speaker Nancy Pelosi. This bill will do a number of things to help small business reduce energy use and assist in financing those energy efficient technologies. It also will require the SBA to provide information and promote energy efficiency ideas. We are working closely with the Center for Small Business and the Environment, the National Small Business Association and the Small Business Majority association. We have had tremendous help and guidance from Russ Orbin who is a staff member of the House Small Business Committee
I hope you feel like Small Business California is out there fighting for you and if you are not a member please consider joining. You can get information on how to do so by visiting our website at www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
Scott Hauge President Small Business California
Friday, May 04, 2007
Supreme Court Finally Sets Guidelines For Apportionment Cases
From: Scott Hauge
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007
Subject: Supreme Court Finally Sets Guidelines For Apportionment Cases
This is a major decision for employers. Had the discussion been different it would have undermined the reforms of 2004. The outlook on workers compensation cost is very positive and we await hearing what rate decreases the companies will file for July 1. The Insurance Commissioner held this hearing yesterday on the pure loss rate and will be coming out with his recommendations shortly. The Bureau has recommended 11.3%. Since the reforms in 2003 the average work comp rate has gone from $6.47 to $3.25.
Last year, I started a program of asking small business people who in Government have been helpful to the small business cause. Please send me who you think should be recognized and I will send a letter to them from Small Business California and acknowledge your nomination. From my perspective, the names that jump out are:
-Luanne Morikawa in Senator Mark Ridley Thomas' office for help on SB 869 ( SB Cal Workers' Comp Bill ).
-Herb Schultz, John Ramey, and Richard Figuroa in the Governor's office for their outreach to us on the Governer's Health Plan.
-David Panush from Senator Perata's office for his outreach to us on the Senator's Health Plan.
Please make sure your nominee is in state government.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
shauge@cal-insure.com
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007
Subject: Supreme Court Finally Sets Guidelines For Apportionment Cases
This is a major decision for employers. Had the discussion been different it would have undermined the reforms of 2004. The outlook on workers compensation cost is very positive and we await hearing what rate decreases the companies will file for July 1. The Insurance Commissioner held this hearing yesterday on the pure loss rate and will be coming out with his recommendations shortly. The Bureau has recommended 11.3%. Since the reforms in 2003 the average work comp rate has gone from $6.47 to $3.25.
Last year, I started a program of asking small business people who in Government have been helpful to the small business cause. Please send me who you think should be recognized and I will send a letter to them from Small Business California and acknowledge your nomination. From my perspective, the names that jump out are:
-Luanne Morikawa in Senator Mark Ridley Thomas' office for help on SB 869 ( SB Cal Workers' Comp Bill ).
-Herb Schultz, John Ramey, and Richard Figuroa in the Governor's office for their outreach to us on the Governer's Health Plan.
-David Panush from Senator Perata's office for his outreach to us on the Senator's Health Plan.
Please make sure your nominee is in state government.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
shauge@cal-insure.com
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Small Business California Activities
From: Scott Hauge
Sent: Friday, March 02, 2007 6:04 AM
Subject: Small Business California Activities
It is really exciting what Small Business California is doing right now and I would like to update you on a few of our activities.
Yesterday Hank Ryan and I attended the first meeting of the Economic and Technology Advancement Advisory Advisory Committee. I serve on the Board with 19 others and we will be working on the implementation of AB 32[ Greenhouse Emissions Caps]. This is the first time to my knowledge that small business has ever had representation in the energy arena on such a significant level.
On March 8th I will going to Washington representing Small Business California and the National Small Business Association at a hearing of the Senate Small Business Committee. John Kerry is the Chair of the Committee and I was invited by Senator Snowe's staff. She is the minority leader on the Committee. I will be talking about small business energy issues and what the role of Small Business California was in the passage of AB 32. Byron Kennard will also be testifying representing the Center for Small Business and the Environment. I work very closely with
Byron and he is a tireless advocate for small business on this issue.
If any of you have any thoughts on this issue that you think would be helpful to discuss please let me know.
Lastly I spent Tuesday in Sacramento with our lobbyist Lori Kammerer discussing Small Business California legislation. We had meetings with a number of staffers and met with Assemblyman Tony Montoya and Assemblyman Doug La Malfa who is carrying one of our bills. Please let me know if you are in either of these Assemblyman's district.
We also met with Herb Schultz who is one of the point people for the Governors health plan. Small Business California has established itself as one of the leading groups speaking on health issues in Sacramento.
Through small Business California you are gaining a stronger and stronger voice in Sacramento and now also in Washington. Our survey of issues will be going out to all the legislators in the next couple of weeks and the Governors office is well aware of it. We also have received some great media coverage.
Sent: Friday, March 02, 2007 6:04 AM
Subject: Small Business California Activities
It is really exciting what Small Business California is doing right now and I would like to update you on a few of our activities.
Yesterday Hank Ryan and I attended the first meeting of the Economic and Technology Advancement Advisory Advisory Committee. I serve on the Board with 19 others and we will be working on the implementation of AB 32[ Greenhouse Emissions Caps]. This is the first time to my knowledge that small business has ever had representation in the energy arena on such a significant level.
On March 8th I will going to Washington representing Small Business California and the National Small Business Association at a hearing of the Senate Small Business Committee. John Kerry is the Chair of the Committee and I was invited by Senator Snowe's staff. She is the minority leader on the Committee. I will be talking about small business energy issues and what the role of Small Business California was in the passage of AB 32. Byron Kennard will also be testifying representing the Center for Small Business and the Environment. I work very closely with
Byron and he is a tireless advocate for small business on this issue.
If any of you have any thoughts on this issue that you think would be helpful to discuss please let me know.
Lastly I spent Tuesday in Sacramento with our lobbyist Lori Kammerer discussing Small Business California legislation. We had meetings with a number of staffers and met with Assemblyman Tony Montoya and Assemblyman Doug La Malfa who is carrying one of our bills. Please let me know if you are in either of these Assemblyman's district.
We also met with Herb Schultz who is one of the point people for the Governors health plan. Small Business California has established itself as one of the leading groups speaking on health issues in Sacramento.
Through small Business California you are gaining a stronger and stronger voice in Sacramento and now also in Washington. Our survey of issues will be going out to all the legislators in the next couple of weeks and the Governors office is well aware of it. We also have received some great media coverage.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Survey Results and SB California Bills
From: Scott Hauge
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 6:14 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: Survey Results and SB California Bills
Our survey results are in. We received 420 responses and the results were as follows:
1.The Rising Cost of Health Care- For the third year this was number 1 with 89% saying it was a top priority or high priority.
2.Quality of Public Education. 76% top or high priority.
3.Infrastructure 69%
4. Workers Compensation and Immigration- 66%
5.Regulation-63%
6.Taxation-55%
7.Energy 52%
So this will the agenda for Small Business California for 2007.
Other interesting results were that 60% of the respondents supported employers,employees and government being required to pay for health insurance, 97% supported requiring state agencies to consider the impact of regulations before final regulations are issued and 91% supported expanding vocational education.
You can get the results in detail by going to www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
Last week was a crazy week in Sacramento as all bills needed to have backing by last Friday. This was a problem because hundreds of bills did not have the language from legislative council as late as Thursday. Small Business California is sponsoring two bills AB 1694[ LaMalfa] which deals with return to work policy and SB869[Ridley Thomas] which deals with workers compensation fraud. We will need your support on these as they come to committee and we need to thank Assemblyman La Malfa and Senator Ridley Thomas for introducing these bills.
One big disappointment was that we did not get introduced a bill that would allow most small business owners who have a 125 plan to be able to take the same tax break for themselves that their employees enjoy. This even though we pay for them, administer them and under the Governors and Speaker Nunez health proposals will be required to buy them. This is just not right and small businesses around the state should be outraged.
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 6:14 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: Survey Results and SB California Bills
Our survey results are in. We received 420 responses and the results were as follows:
1.The Rising Cost of Health Care- For the third year this was number 1 with 89% saying it was a top priority or high priority.
2.Quality of Public Education. 76% top or high priority.
3.Infrastructure 69%
4. Workers Compensation and Immigration- 66%
5.Regulation-63%
6.Taxation-55%
7.Energy 52%
So this will the agenda for Small Business California for 2007.
Other interesting results were that 60% of the respondents supported employers,employees and government being required to pay for health insurance, 97% supported requiring state agencies to consider the impact of regulations before final regulations are issued and 91% supported expanding vocational education.
You can get the results in detail by going to www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
Last week was a crazy week in Sacramento as all bills needed to have backing by last Friday. This was a problem because hundreds of bills did not have the language from legislative council as late as Thursday. Small Business California is sponsoring two bills AB 1694[ LaMalfa] which deals with return to work policy and SB869[Ridley Thomas] which deals with workers compensation fraud. We will need your support on these as they come to committee and we need to thank Assemblyman La Malfa and Senator Ridley Thomas for introducing these bills.
One big disappointment was that we did not get introduced a bill that would allow most small business owners who have a 125 plan to be able to take the same tax break for themselves that their employees enjoy. This even though we pay for them, administer them and under the Governors and Speaker Nunez health proposals will be required to buy them. This is just not right and small businesses around the state should be outraged.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Small Business California Activities
From: Scott Hauge
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 6:39 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: Small Business California Activities
Small Business California has been very busy recently and I wanted to take a moment to give you some updates.
First the National Association of Remodeling Contractors [California Chapter] will be joining as an affiliate member. We welcome them and look forward to a long relationship in promoting small business interest in Sacramento.
Second we have hired a lobbyist Lori Kammerrer of Kammerer & Company. This will help us with our Sacramento presence. I have known Lori for over 10 years and she will be of great help in not only moving our legislative agenda, but putting on seminars and providing us information on what is happening in Sacramento.
Third you may not know that we are affiliated with the National Small Business Association. I am the Vice Chair of Advocacy. Last week I attended a meeting in Scottsdale where a conference was held to set the agenda for the Association. One issue that is really going to be important for small business is the so called "Tax Gap" where the IRS will be going after small businesses to try and collect over $300 billion in unpaid taxes. While NSBA agrees that small businesses should pay what they owe they are very concerned that small businesses around the country will be the subject of audits. In their issues statement on this they say, "Honest small business taxpayers are especially at risk of being subjected to to needless and unwarranted regulatory burdens in an attempt to capture a few bad apples that do not fulfill their tax obligations. Small firms could be targeted and penalized by the IRS for small and unintentional transgressions".
NSBA is setting up a website www.preventirsabuse.org
Please also visit www.NSBA.biz for more information about the organization
Last, we will be closing our survey February 20th. We have over 400 respondents so far and I would really like to see the total go to over 500. If you haven't done so already please go to www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org and complete the survey. Also forward this informatoin on to others.
We will release the results of the survey next week and have had a number of media people and legislators looking to hear from people like you about the issues that effect small business.
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 6:39 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: Small Business California Activities
Small Business California has been very busy recently and I wanted to take a moment to give you some updates.
First the National Association of Remodeling Contractors [California Chapter] will be joining as an affiliate member. We welcome them and look forward to a long relationship in promoting small business interest in Sacramento.
Second we have hired a lobbyist Lori Kammerrer of Kammerer & Company. This will help us with our Sacramento presence. I have known Lori for over 10 years and she will be of great help in not only moving our legislative agenda, but putting on seminars and providing us information on what is happening in Sacramento.
Third you may not know that we are affiliated with the National Small Business Association. I am the Vice Chair of Advocacy. Last week I attended a meeting in Scottsdale where a conference was held to set the agenda for the Association. One issue that is really going to be important for small business is the so called "Tax Gap" where the IRS will be going after small businesses to try and collect over $300 billion in unpaid taxes. While NSBA agrees that small businesses should pay what they owe they are very concerned that small businesses around the country will be the subject of audits. In their issues statement on this they say, "Honest small business taxpayers are especially at risk of being subjected to to needless and unwarranted regulatory burdens in an attempt to capture a few bad apples that do not fulfill their tax obligations. Small firms could be targeted and penalized by the IRS for small and unintentional transgressions".
NSBA is setting up a website www.preventirsabuse.org
Please also visit www.NSBA.biz for more information about the organization
Last, we will be closing our survey February 20th. We have over 400 respondents so far and I would really like to see the total go to over 500. If you haven't done so already please go to www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org and complete the survey. Also forward this informatoin on to others.
We will release the results of the survey next week and have had a number of media people and legislators looking to hear from people like you about the issues that effect small business.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
One More Week to Take the Small Business Survey
From: Scott Hauge
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 6:45 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: One More Week to Take the Small Business Survey
Time is running out to take our small business survey. Over the past three years, legislators and opinion leaders have used our survey to set policy, this is a great chance for you to let elected officials know what issues matter to small business. Already the LA Times and other media organizations have mentioned the small business survey and legislators are looking for its release to determine where small business owners stand on a variety of important issues. Right now we have close to 400 responses and there are some very interesting trends developing.
We will be continuing the small business survey for one more week, until February 20, 2007,
so please take five minutes and fill out the survey today. You can access the survey by going to www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org .
Please also forward this information to any other small business owners you may know.
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 6:45 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: One More Week to Take the Small Business Survey
Time is running out to take our small business survey. Over the past three years, legislators and opinion leaders have used our survey to set policy, this is a great chance for you to let elected officials know what issues matter to small business. Already the LA Times and other media organizations have mentioned the small business survey and legislators are looking for its release to determine where small business owners stand on a variety of important issues. Right now we have close to 400 responses and there are some very interesting trends developing.
We will be continuing the small business survey for one more week, until February 20, 2007,
so please take five minutes and fill out the survey today. You can access the survey by going to www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org .
Please also forward this information to any other small business owners you may know.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
SB-Cal Newsletter: February 2007
Small Business California’s Annual Survey
Small Business California (SB-Cal) is in the process of doing its third annual survey. This survey is used to set the agenda for the year for SB-Cal.
Last year the priority issues were health insurance, workers compensation, education/workforce, infrastructure, regulations and energy. Please visit our website http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/ for our accomplishments in 2006.
You can help by going to our website http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/ and completing the survey. The results of the survey will be sent to every state legislature, the Governor, and the media. Please take a moment.
Thank you.
Small Business California Legislation
Small Business California has been extremely busy in Sacramento. We are sponsoring three bills, which you should know about, because we will be coming to you later in the year asking for you to write letters of support.
The first bill is a tax credit for business owners that set up a 125 (cafeteria) plan. 125 plans are set up by employers and allow employees to pay health insurance premiums, health insurance deductibles, co-pays etc. with pretax dollars. The problem is that in pass through organizations, (sole proprietors, partnerships, S corporations, etc.) the owners of these businesses cannot take the benefits like their employees. This bill would allow owners to take these same benefits.
This is a simple fairness bill. It just makes sense that if an employer (owner) pays for a 125 plan and administers the plan that they should be treated the same as their employees.
The second bill would address the issue of some businesses not providing workers compensation coverage for their employees, creating an unleveled playing field for legitimate businesses. The bill would require the Economic Development Department to send to the Fraud Commission in the Department of Insurance a list of employers. It would also require the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Board to send the Fraud Commission all the employers that are providing workers compensation insurance. The Fraud Commission would then do a crosscheck and for those that are not providing coverage take steps to get them to provide coverage.
The third bill would address a problem that has arisen in the workers compensation reforms. Under current return to work regulations businesses with 50 or more employees can have their employee's benefit payments reduced by 15% if they provide the employee the opportunity to return to work. If they do not provide this, their disability payment is increased 15%. The problem is that the employer must provide employment for 12 months.
This clearly is impractical for a number of businesses especially those in the agricultural, entertainment, retail, and construction sectors where jobs are short term. This bill would eliminate the 15% increase if the job were short term.
We will continue to report to you the progress of these bills and hope you will support us in our efforts to get these bills passed and signed by the Governor.
Health Insurance
For the last two years the ever-increasing cost of heath insurance has been the number one issue for small businesses in California. Small Business California has played an active role in the health debate.
We have met with Senator Perata and Speaker Nunez’s office regarding their bills. We have also met numerous times with the Governor's office and I was on the panel when the Governor announced his proposal.
Small Business California’s position is that cost containment must be addressed and the cost of health insurance must be reduced. Future increases must be at or below the inflation rate.
If this accomplished, Small Business California has taken the position that small businesses would be willing to pay something towards their employee’s health insurance along with contributions by employees and government.
Small Business California will continue to be at the forefront of the debate. Please visit our website http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/ for our position paper on this issue.
Flex Your Power
Flex Your Power is looking for small businesses that should be highlighted with an award because they have acted to save energy.
Does your business have unique ways that you've saved on fuel costs while still serving your customers well?
Have you invested in energy efficiency and have a good story to tell regarding other benefits you didn't realize would come your way? (I'm thinking of my local service station where they used a PG&E program to change their lighting and saved a bundle but they improved the QUALITY of the lighting to a major degree!)
Or, does you company actually manufacture or otherwise supply technologies that save energy and help other small businesses profit as a dividend?
There is one thing we know for sure. Small businesses are often just too busy to do more than to run the business. That said, I hope you'll take a minute to consider asking SB-Cal to nominate your business for an award.
We'll do all the paperwork and call you to get information.
Call me directly at my cell 510-459-9683 if you'd like to be nominated for a Flex Your Power award in one of the categories below.
Regards,
Hank Ryan, Executive Director – Small Business California
5TH ANNUAL FLEX YOUR POWER AWARDS APPLICATIONS
(DUE MARCH 15, 2007)
There's never been a more important time. There's never been a more important reason.
Conserving energy not only cuts costs, but also reduces emissions that lead to global warming. Join the ranks of outstanding leaders in California who know the time to fight global warming is now.
Flex Your Power seeks to recognize businesses, local, state and federal governments, farmers, water districts and institutions that understand that saving energy means saving money and the environment. If your organization is making steps to reduce energy use, please tell us your story by applying for a Flex Your Power Award.
Awards will highlight leaders in each of the following categories:
SB-Cal offers "OP ED" piece regarding California's AB 32 Climate Change legislation.
(click here: http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/SF_Examiner_OP_Ed.pdf).
In an effort to develop a long term solutions based approach to the California's Climate Change legislation, AB 32, we've published an "OP ED" in the SF Examiner that defines our working plan. (see link: http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/SF_Examiner_OP_Ed.pdf).
Small businesses are a major part of the "demand" side of energy use. Pro-active small business investments in energy efficiency require three main elements:
Small Business California (SB-Cal) is in the process of doing its third annual survey. This survey is used to set the agenda for the year for SB-Cal.
Last year the priority issues were health insurance, workers compensation, education/workforce, infrastructure, regulations and energy. Please visit our website http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/ for our accomplishments in 2006.
You can help by going to our website http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/ and completing the survey. The results of the survey will be sent to every state legislature, the Governor, and the media. Please take a moment.
Thank you.
Small Business California Legislation
Small Business California has been extremely busy in Sacramento. We are sponsoring three bills, which you should know about, because we will be coming to you later in the year asking for you to write letters of support.
The first bill is a tax credit for business owners that set up a 125 (cafeteria) plan. 125 plans are set up by employers and allow employees to pay health insurance premiums, health insurance deductibles, co-pays etc. with pretax dollars. The problem is that in pass through organizations, (sole proprietors, partnerships, S corporations, etc.) the owners of these businesses cannot take the benefits like their employees. This bill would allow owners to take these same benefits.
This is a simple fairness bill. It just makes sense that if an employer (owner) pays for a 125 plan and administers the plan that they should be treated the same as their employees.
The second bill would address the issue of some businesses not providing workers compensation coverage for their employees, creating an unleveled playing field for legitimate businesses. The bill would require the Economic Development Department to send to the Fraud Commission in the Department of Insurance a list of employers. It would also require the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Board to send the Fraud Commission all the employers that are providing workers compensation insurance. The Fraud Commission would then do a crosscheck and for those that are not providing coverage take steps to get them to provide coverage.
The third bill would address a problem that has arisen in the workers compensation reforms. Under current return to work regulations businesses with 50 or more employees can have their employee's benefit payments reduced by 15% if they provide the employee the opportunity to return to work. If they do not provide this, their disability payment is increased 15%. The problem is that the employer must provide employment for 12 months.
This clearly is impractical for a number of businesses especially those in the agricultural, entertainment, retail, and construction sectors where jobs are short term. This bill would eliminate the 15% increase if the job were short term.
We will continue to report to you the progress of these bills and hope you will support us in our efforts to get these bills passed and signed by the Governor.
Health Insurance
For the last two years the ever-increasing cost of heath insurance has been the number one issue for small businesses in California. Small Business California has played an active role in the health debate.
We have met with Senator Perata and Speaker Nunez’s office regarding their bills. We have also met numerous times with the Governor's office and I was on the panel when the Governor announced his proposal.
Small Business California’s position is that cost containment must be addressed and the cost of health insurance must be reduced. Future increases must be at or below the inflation rate.
If this accomplished, Small Business California has taken the position that small businesses would be willing to pay something towards their employee’s health insurance along with contributions by employees and government.
Small Business California will continue to be at the forefront of the debate. Please visit our website http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/ for our position paper on this issue.
Flex Your Power
Flex Your Power is looking for small businesses that should be highlighted with an award because they have acted to save energy.
Does your business have unique ways that you've saved on fuel costs while still serving your customers well?
Have you invested in energy efficiency and have a good story to tell regarding other benefits you didn't realize would come your way? (I'm thinking of my local service station where they used a PG&E program to change their lighting and saved a bundle but they improved the QUALITY of the lighting to a major degree!)
Or, does you company actually manufacture or otherwise supply technologies that save energy and help other small businesses profit as a dividend?
There is one thing we know for sure. Small businesses are often just too busy to do more than to run the business. That said, I hope you'll take a minute to consider asking SB-Cal to nominate your business for an award.
We'll do all the paperwork and call you to get information.
Call me directly at my cell 510-459-9683 if you'd like to be nominated for a Flex Your Power award in one of the categories below.
Regards,
Hank Ryan, Executive Director – Small Business California
5TH ANNUAL FLEX YOUR POWER AWARDS APPLICATIONS
(DUE MARCH 15, 2007)
There's never been a more important time. There's never been a more important reason.
Conserving energy not only cuts costs, but also reduces emissions that lead to global warming. Join the ranks of outstanding leaders in California who know the time to fight global warming is now.
Flex Your Power seeks to recognize businesses, local, state and federal governments, farmers, water districts and institutions that understand that saving energy means saving money and the environment. If your organization is making steps to reduce energy use, please tell us your story by applying for a Flex Your Power Award.
Awards will highlight leaders in each of the following categories:
- Energy Efficiency
- Demand Response
- Education and Leadership
- Innovative Products and/or Services
APPLY NOW! Visit http://www.fypower.org/feature/awards/ learn how.
AB 32 Climate Change Legislation
SB-Cal offers "OP ED" piece regarding California's AB 32 Climate Change legislation.
(click here: http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/SF_Examiner_OP_Ed.pdf).
In an effort to develop a long term solutions based approach to the California's Climate Change legislation, AB 32, we've published an "OP ED" in the SF Examiner that defines our working plan. (see link: http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/SF_Examiner_OP_Ed.pdf).
Small businesses are a major part of the "demand" side of energy use. Pro-active small business investments in energy efficiency require three main elements:
- Accurate energy savings information, preferably verifiable via Internet monitoring where possible.
- Access to capital like On Bill Financing so as to remove cash flow issues that often block energy efficiency investments.
- Regulations that encourage small businesses to invest in energy efficiency.
The "OP ED" (see link http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/SF_Examiner_OP_Ed.pdf) article points out one simple way California regulators may encourage energy efficiency investments by CA small businesses. If there were a way to even slightly accelerate the processing time for liquor permits in return for proof of $2500 in Energy Star food service or refrigeration equipment purchases, businesses would have ample reason to look into these purchases at the right time, before the business is operating. This regulatory adjustment is consistent with other programs offered by the CA Dept of Alcoholic Beverage Control and does not call for any additional costs.
Hank Ryan will be traveling throughout CA in the coming months to speak to small business groups and other interested organizations on this issue. If your group would like to host Mr. Ryan for a 30-minute (including Q&A) presentation, please email to:hryan@smallbusinesscalifornia.org
Monday, February 05, 2007
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Urgent
From: Scott Hauge
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 6:32 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: Urgent
We are pushing 200 responses to our survey. Thank you to all that have completed it.
To those of you that haven't please take a moment to complete. You can access by going to www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org. I would appreciate all of you to forward to others.
As I have said before this sets the agenda for Small Business California for 2007. It is early but some very interesting trends seem to be developing and when we complete the survey all of you will be advised of the results.
Yesterday the Republicans came out with their health proposal and I was very gratified to see mention of our proposal to give owners who set up 125 plans the same tax privileges enjoyed by our employees. This is a fairness issue and we will be high on our legislative agenda next year.
We are making a difference but we will only be successful with your continued support and participation.
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 6:32 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: Urgent
We are pushing 200 responses to our survey. Thank you to all that have completed it.
To those of you that haven't please take a moment to complete. You can access by going to www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org. I would appreciate all of you to forward to others.
As I have said before this sets the agenda for Small Business California for 2007. It is early but some very interesting trends seem to be developing and when we complete the survey all of you will be advised of the results.
Yesterday the Republicans came out with their health proposal and I was very gratified to see mention of our proposal to give owners who set up 125 plans the same tax privileges enjoyed by our employees. This is a fairness issue and we will be high on our legislative agenda next year.
We are making a difference but we will only be successful with your continued support and participation.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Urgent Action Needed
From: Scott Hauge
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 9:46 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: Urgent Action Needed
Once a year Small Business California does a survey to determine the priorities of California small businesses. This sets our agenda for the year. The results of the survey are provided to every state legislator and the Governor.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey by clicking on below.
http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2263TAGYPJT
I would also appreciate if you could forward to other small business people.
If you are interested in past survey results go to our website at http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/
Small Business California is working hard to have your voice heard.
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 9:46 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: Urgent Action Needed
Once a year Small Business California does a survey to determine the priorities of California small businesses. This sets our agenda for the year. The results of the survey are provided to every state legislator and the Governor.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey by clicking on below.
http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2263TAGYPJT
I would also appreciate if you could forward to other small business people.
If you are interested in past survey results go to our website at http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/
Small Business California is working hard to have your voice heard.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Governors Health Plan
From: Scott Hauge
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 6:01 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: Governors Health Plan
Small Business California has had numerous contacts on the Governors Health plan and I am sure will get many more throughout the year. Our position is that if the cost of health insurance is reduced and increases in the future are stabilized that small business is willing to pay something for our employees health coverage. We applaud the Governor for trying to tackle this issue and really are anxious to see how his cost control measures will play out after farther analysis.
If you disagree let me know.
I would also like to know if any of you are interested in talking to the media. If so please let me know by return email and please give me your location.
In an effort not to send two emails to my San Francisco friends I want to invite you to a reception for our new Supervisor Ed Jew. Ed is the best person in a long time for San Francisco small businesses. The reception will be from 5:30 to 7PM on February 22.
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 6:01 AM
To: Small Business California
Subject: Governors Health Plan
Small Business California has had numerous contacts on the Governors Health plan and I am sure will get many more throughout the year. Our position is that if the cost of health insurance is reduced and increases in the future are stabilized that small business is willing to pay something for our employees health coverage. We applaud the Governor for trying to tackle this issue and really are anxious to see how his cost control measures will play out after farther analysis.
If you disagree let me know.
I would also like to know if any of you are interested in talking to the media. If so please let me know by return email and please give me your location.
In an effort not to send two emails to my San Francisco friends I want to invite you to a reception for our new Supervisor Ed Jew. Ed is the best person in a long time for San Francisco small businesses. The reception will be from 5:30 to 7PM on February 22.
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