Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Fed up. Get Small Business Jobs Bill Passed

See below for a great piece on the stalemate in Washington on the Small Business Jobs bill. I like it because it takes both Republicans and Democrats to task.

Both parties are playing politics with our livelihood and I am fed up with it. To both parties and the President get the Small Business Jobs Bill passed and let small business do what we do best. Create jobs.

To all those on the email tree please forward this to your colleagues and get people to write to their legislators. Senators Boxer and Feinstein support this so it is more important you get your Congressperson on board.

Marcus and Ahmod thank the Senators for their support.

Thank you Tony Wilkenson from the National Association of Government lenders for sending me this article.

Give small business the credit it deserves

Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
415-680-2188
shauge@cal-insure.com

Friday, August 20, 2010

Another regulation ---

Another regulation with fines attached,

Scott


Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188



California Workers’ Compensation Institute
BULLETIN
1111 Broadway #2350, Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 251-9470 http://www.cwci.org/

August 17, 2010

No. 10-20

As of October 8, California employers must begin distributing an updated version of the workers’ compensation new hire pamphlet to all employees hired on or after that date; post revised workers’ compensation employee posting notices; provide an updated version of the DWC-1/Notice of Potential Eligibility to injured workers and post new Medical Provider Network (MPN) notices if they use an MPN.

The MPN notice regulations developed by the Division of Workers’ Compensation and approved last week by the Office of Administrative Law affect several different California workers’ compensation notices. First, the revised MPN employee notification requirements found in CCR §9767.12 require that “Before MNP coverage is implemented, the complete written MPN employee notification shall also be posted in both English and Spanish in a conspicuous location frequented by employees during the hours of the workday and in close proximity to the workers’ compensation posting required under section9881.”
Because the details on this “complete written MPN employee notification” are MPN-specific, claims administrators are scrambling to make sure these notices are ready for employers to post by the October 8 effective date. In addition, however, the recently adopted regulations require MPN information to be added to the workers’ compensation new hire pamphlets, the general workers’ compensation posting notices, and to the DWC-1/NOPE, so all of these materials are also being revised to reflect the new rules that take effect in less than two months.

Under the California Labor Code and state regulations, insured and self-insured employers are required to inform their employees of their workers’ compensation rights and obligations by posting state-approved notices (LC § 3550) and providing pamphlets to new hires (LC § 3551). The law specifies that insurers shall provide these notices to their policyholders with advice concerning the posting requirements and the penalties for failure to post and supply the information to employees [LC §§3550 (f) and 3551(c)]. Failure to provide the information can result in loss of employer medical control [LC §3550 (e)], civil penalties of up to $7,000 for each violation of the posting requirement [LC §6431], and toll the statute of limitations for filing a claim.

State regulations allow private enterprises to prepare and publish the posting notice or pamphlets if approved by the DWC, so for many years, insurers, employers and others have relied on CWCI to produce these materials and keep them current. Following the adoption of the regulations last week, CWCI submitted revised versions of its new hire pamphlet, “Facts About Workers’ Compensation,” and its posting notice, “If A Work Injury Occurs” for DWC review and approval. Once the approvals are given, CWCI will typeset, print and copyright the updated publications. To meet LC §3551(b) and CCR§9883(e), CWCI will also translate and print the revised pamphlets and posting notice in Spanish. In addition, the Institute will continue to produce the DWC-1/NOPE as a 5-part form, reformatted with the revised Notice of Potential Eligibility as a cover sheet.

Beyond these mandatory notices, the Institute is also updating its injured worker pamphlet, “Facts For Injured Workers” to reflect current TD rates and add MPN information. Although the 2002 reform bill (AB 749) eliminated the statutory requirement that claims administrators include a pamphlet explaining a worker’s benefits and obligations with the first notice of payment or notice of delay (LC §138.4), many companies continue to use “Facts For Injured Workers” as a way to provide claimants with basic information early in the life of the claim. The “Facts For Injured Workers” also can be used to meet the Insurance Code §1871.8 notice requirement on fraudulent receipt of temporary disability, and the LC §3553 notice requirement for victims of workplace crime. This pamphlet is available in English and Spanish as well.

Insurers, employers, TPAs, agents and brokers, and others who need to order the revised pamphlets and posting notices, as well as the revised DWC-1/Notice of Potential Eligibility may now do so by visiting the Institute’s online “Store” at http://www.cwci.org/ and placing a pre-order. Pending the DWC approvals, the Institute expects to have all of these materials ready for shipping by mid-September. In the meantime, the Institute will continue to stock the current notices and claim forms that should be used until October 7, and as a service to the community, has reduced the minimum order requirement so anyone needing a limited supply of the current materials to meet their interim needs can order them in smaller quantities. For further information regarding ordering, call Fran Perry at CWCI (510) 251-9470.

Information on these new notice requirements, as well as other recent regulatory changes, will be covered in an upcoming CWCI seminar, tentatively scheduled for mid-October. Specific dates and locations will be announced soon and posted in the seminar section of the Institute web site.




BY/

Copyright 2010, California Workers’ Compensation Institute
CWCI members may log in to http://www.cwci.org/ and access Bulletins in the Member area, while nonmembers with Research/Bulletin subscriptions may log in and access Bulletins under Resources (subscriber files). Public information is also posted on the website, and nonmembers may order annual subscriptions from the website store.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Tax Credits/Questions for email blast to your clients

In my email to you last week I asked if you were eligible for the tax credit provided under the new health bill. Many of you responded to me that you were not aware of the credit.

Basically if you have less than 25 employees with an average salary per employee of under $50000 you are eligible. The credit is a maximum of 35% of your premiums now and 50% 2014. I am providing a link below for you for more information.

Another provision in the health bill provides for a tax credit for non profits. The same basic rules apply per above but the credit is 25% now and in 2014 50%. It is not clear how you get this credit because of the nonprofit status but the regulations should be coming out shortly.

I am sure a lot of you volunteer in non profits so you would be doing them a service to advise them of this credit.


Here is the link to IRS Tax Credit FAQ
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220839,00.html


Small Business California has been asked by the California Endowment Foundation to obtain the views of California small businesses about the Health Reform legislation. Thank you to all of you that completed this. If you haven’t please take a couple of minutes to do so.


· WHAT DO SMALL BUSINESSES SEE AS THE ADVANTAGES OF HEALTH CARE REFORM FOR THEIR WORKFORCE AND DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS.


· WHAT DO SMALL BUSINESSES SEE AS PROBLEMS FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM ?


· WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE GOALS SMALL BUSINESSES WANT TO ACCOMPLISH WITH HEALTH CARE REFORM




Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188

Monday, August 16, 2010

Questions for email blast to your clients

Small Business California has been asked by the California Endowment Foundation to obtain the views of California small businesses about the Health Reform legislation.

Could you please respond to the questions below. If you don’t know the answer to one or more of the questions that is also an acceptable answer.


· WHAT DO SMALL BUSINESSES SEE AS THE ADVANTAGES OF HEALTH CARE REFORM FOR THEIR WORKFORCE AND DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS.


· WHAT DO SMALL BUSINESSES SEE AS PROBLEMS FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM ?


· WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE GOALS SMALL BUSINESSES WANT TO ACCOMPLISH WITH HEALTH CARE REFORM


I would also like to know if any of you have taken advantage of the tax credits available in the health plan. Do you know what they are? Do you plan to take advantage of these.


Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Small Business California Opposes Proposition 23

Please see below press release indicating Small Business California's opposition to Proposition 23. We know this is controversial but given our strong support of AB 32 and our efforts to help small businesses reduce their energy use and cost through programs like On Bill Financing we felt it important to take this position.


We also feel there are tremendous opportunities for small business to drive research and development and small business job creation.


Small Business California Opposes Proposition 23

SACRAMENTO – Small Business California (SB-Cal) today announced its opposition to Proposition 23, the November ballot measure that would repeal California's clean energy and air pollution standards.

“Pulling the rug out from under businesses by dismantling the state’s roadmap to a clean energy future will not only hinder our economy, but will create an environment of uncertainty for small businesses who employ millions of Californians,” said Hank Ryan, Executive Director of Small Business California. “By repealing our clean energy standards, we would be putting thousands of jobs at risk and drive up costs for small businesses, while discouraging innovation and investments. California cannot afford Proposition 23.”

Small Business California is a proactive, non-partisan business advocacy organization whose only agenda is the well being of California small businesses. Working for all California small businesses for a better business environment, SB-Cal is responsive to the needs of California small business owners.

“Small businesses are the backbone of California’s economy. All innovation has left the shop of a small business and resulted in vast changes in the lives of millions,” said Steve Maviglio from the No on Proposition 23 campaign. “We are proud to have small business owners join our mission in exposing the deceptive Texas oil companies’ dirty energy proposition for what it truly is: an effort to unravel the state’s clean energy economy.”

Other business entities that officially oppose Proposition 23 are: Google, Bay Area Council, Levi Strauss & Co., the San Francisco and Greater San Fernando Valley Chambers of Commerce, LosAngeles Business Council, Virgin America, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Warner Bros.
Entertainment, Inc., and hundreds of small business owners.


Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188

Friday, August 06, 2010

State Agencies and Commissions

This was sent to me by one of our members. I was not going to send it out to all of you but I thought you might be interested. These are the state agencies and Commissions. Make sure you scroll to the end. Thank you Richard.

Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188


California Academic Performance Index (API) * California Access for Infants and Mothers * California Acupuncture Board * California Administrative Office of the Courts * California Adoptions Branch * California African American Museum * California Agricultural Export Program * California Agricultural Labor Relations Board * California Agricultural Statistics Service * California Air Resources Board (CARB) * California Allocation Board * California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority * California Animal Health and Food Safety Services * California Anti-Terrorism Information Center * California Apprenticeship Council * California Arbitration Certification Program * California Architects Board * California Area VI Developmental Disabilities Board * California Arts Council * California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus * California Assembly Democratic Caucus * California Assembly Republican Caucus * California Athletic Commission * California Attorney General * California Bay Conservation and Development Commission * California Bay-Delta Authority * California Bay-Delta Office * California Biodiversity Council * California Board for Geologists and Geophysicists * California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors * California Board of Accountancy * California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology * California Board of Behavioral Sciences * California Board of Chiropractic Examiners * California Board of Equalization (BOE) * California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection * California Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind * California Board of Occupational Therapy * California Board of Optometry * California Board of Pharmacy * California Board of Podiatric Medicine * California Board of Prison Terms * California Board of Psychology * California Board of Registered Nursing * California Board of Trustees * California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians * California Braille and Talking Book Library * California Building Standards Commission * California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education * California Bureau of Automotive Repair * California Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair * California Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation * California Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine * California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services * California Bureau of State Audits * California Business Agency * California Business Investment Services (CalBIS) * California Business Permit Information (CalGOLD) * California Business Portal * California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency * California Cal Grants * California CalJOBS * California Cal-Learn Program * California CalVet Home Loan Program * California Career Resource Network * California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau * California Center for Analytical Chemistry * California Center for Distributed Learning * California Center for Teaching Careers (Teach California) * California Chancellors Office * California Charter Schools * California Children and Families Commission * California Children and Family Services Division * California Citizens Compensation Commission * California Civil Rights Bureau * California Coastal Commission * California Coastal Conservancy * California Code of Regulations * California Collaborative Projects with UC Davis * California Commission for Jobs and Economic Growth * California Commission on Aging * California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers Compensation * California Commission on Judicial Performance * California Commission on State Mandates * California Commission on Status of Women * California Commission on Teacher Credentialing * California Commission on the Status of Women * California Committee on Dental Auxiliaries * California Community Colleges Chancellors Office, Junior Colleges * California Community Colleges Chancellors Office * California Complaint Mediation Program * California Conservation Corps * California Constitution Revision Commission * California Consumer Hotline * California Consumer Information Center * California Consumer Information * California Consumer Services Division * California Consumers and Families Agency * California Contractors State License Board * California Corrections Standards Authority * California Council for the Humanities * California Council on Criminal Justice * California Council on Developmental Disabilities * California Court Reporters Board * California Courts of Appeal * California Crime and Violence Prevention Center * California Criminal Justice Statistics Center * California Criminalist Institute Forensic Library * California CSGnet Network Management * California Cultural and Historical Endowment * California Cultural Resources Division * California Curriculum and Instructional Leadership Branch * California Data Exchange Center * California Data Management Division * California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission * California Delta Protection Commission * California Democratic Caucus * California Demographic Research Unit * California Dental Auxiliaries * California Department of Aging * California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs * California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board * California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control * California Department of Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating) * California Department of Child Support Services (CDCSS) * California Department of Community Services and Development * California Department of Conservation * California Department of Consumer Affairs * California Department of Corporations * California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation * California Department of Developmental Services * California Department of Education * California Department of Fair Employment and Housing * California Department of Finance * California Department of Financial Institutions * California Department of Fish and Game * California Department of Food and Agriculture * California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) * California Department of General Services * California Department of General Services, Office of State Publishing * California Department of Health Care Services * California Department of Housing and Community Development * California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) * California Department of Insurance * California Department of Justice Firearms Division * California Department of Justice Opinion Unit * California Department of Justice, Consumer Information, Public Inquiry Unit * California Department of Justice * California Department of Managed Health Care * California Department of Mental Health * California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) * California Department of Personnel Administration * California Department of Pesticide Regulation * California Department of Public Health * California Department of Real Estate * California Department of Rehabilitation * California Department of Social Services Adoptions Branch * California Department of Social Services * California Department of Technology Services Training Center (DTSTC) * California Department of Technology Services (DTS) * California Department of Toxic Substances Control * California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) * California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVets) * California Department of Water Resources * California Departmento de Vehiculos Motorizados * California Digital Library * California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification Program * California Division of Apprenticeship Standards * California Division of Codes and Standards * California Division of Communicable Disease Control * California Division of Engineering * California Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control * California Division of Gambling Control * California Division of Housing Policy Development * California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement * California Division of Labor Statistics and Research * California Division of Land and Right of Way * California Division of Land Resource Protection * California Division of Law Enforcement General Library * California Division of Measurement Standards * California Division of Mines and Geology * California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) * California Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources * California Division of Planning and Local Assistance * California Division of Recycling * California Division of Safety of Dams * California Division of the State Architect * California Division of Tourism * California Division of Workers Compensation Medical Unit * California Division of Workers Compensation * California Economic Assistance, Business and Community Resources * California Economic Strategy Panel * California Education and Training Agency * California Education Audit Appeals Panel * California Educational Facilities Authority * California Elections Division * California Electricity Oversight Board * California Emergency Management Agency * California Emergency Medical Services Authority * California Employment Development Department (EDD) * California Employment Information State Jobs * California Employment Training Panel * California Energy Commission * California Environment and Natural Resources Agency * California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) * California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES) * California Executive Office * California Export Laboratory Services * California Exposition and State Fair (Cal Expo) * California Fair Political Practices Commission * California Fairs and Expositions Division * California Film Commission * California Fire and Resource Assessment Program * California Firearms Division * California Fiscal Services * California Fish and Game Commission * California Fisheries Program Branch * California Floodplain Management * California Foster Youth Help * California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) * California Fraud Division * California Gambling Control Commission * California Geographic Information Systems Council (GIS) * California Geological Survey * California Government Claims and Victim Compensation Board * California Governors Committee for Employment of Disabled Persons * California Governors Mentoring Partnership * California Governor's Office of Emergency Services * California Governor's Office of Homeland Security * California Governor's Office of Planning and Research * California Governor's Office * California Grant and Enterprise Zone Programs HCD Loan * California Health and Human Services Agency * California Health and Safety Agency * California Healthy Families Program * California Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau * California High-Speed Rail Authority * California Highway Patrol (CHP) * California History and Culture Agency * California Horse Racing Board * California Housing Finance Agency * California Indoor Air Quality Program * California Industrial Development Financing Advisory Commission * California Industrial Welfare Commission * California Info People * California Information Center for the Environment * California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (I-Bank) * California Inspection Services * California Institute for County Government * California Institute for Education Reform * California Integrated Waste Management Board * California Interagency Ecological Program * California Job Service * California Junta Estatal de Personal * California Labor and Employment Agency * California Labor and Workforce Development Agency * California Labor Market Information Division * California Land Use Planning Information Network (LUPIN) * California Lands Commission * California Landscape Architects Technical Committee * California Latino Legislative Caucus * California Law Enforcement Branch * California Law Enforcement General Library * California Law Revision Commission * California Legislative Analyst's Office * California Legislative Black Caucus * California Legislative Counsel * California Legislative Division * California Legislative Information * California Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus * California Legislature Internet Caucus * California Library De velopment Services * California License and Revenue Branch * California Major Risk Medical Insurance Program * California Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board * California Maritime Academy * California Marketing Services * California Measurement Standards * California Medical Assistance Commission * California Medical Care Services * California Military Department * California Mining and Geology Board * California Museum for History, Women, and the Arts * California Museum Resource Center * California National Guard * California Native American Heritage Commission * California Natural Community Conservation Planning Program * California New Motor Vehicle Board * California Nursing Home Administrator Program * California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board * California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board * California Ocean Resources Management Program * California Office of Administrative Hearings * California Office of Administrative Law * California Office of AIDS * California Office of Binational Border Health * California Office of Child Abuse Prevention * California Office of Deaf Access * California Office of Emergency Services (OES) * California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment * California Office of Fiscal Services * California Office of Fleet Administration * California Office of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Implementation (CalOHI) * California Office of Historic Preservation * California Office of Homeland Security * California Office of Human Resources * California Office of Legal Services * California Office of Legislation * California Office of Lieutenant Governor * California Office of Military and Aerospace Support * California Office of Mine Reclamation * California Office of Natural Resource Education * California Office of Privacy Protection * California Office of Public School Construction * California Office of Real Estate Appraisers * California Office of Risk and Insurance Management * California Office of Services to the Blind * California Office of Spill Prevention and Response * California Office of State Publishing (OSP) * California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development * California Office of Systems Integration * California Office of the Inspector General * California Office of the Ombudsman * California Office of the Patient Advocate * California Office of the President * California Office of the Secretary for Education * California Office of the State Fire Marshal * California Office of the State Public Defender * California Office of Traffic Safety * California Office of Vital Records * California Online Directory * California Operations Control Office * California Opinion Unit * California Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) * California Park and Recreation Commission * California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) * California Performance Review (CPR) * California Permit Information for Business (CalGOLD) * California Physical Therapy Board * California Physician Assistant Committee * California Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services * California Policy and Evaluation Division * California Political Reform Division * California Pollution Control Financing Authority * California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo * California Postsecondary Education Commission * California Prevention Services * California Primary Care and Family Health * California Prison Industry Authority * California Procurement Division * California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) * California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) * California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) * California Real Estate Services Division * California Refugee Programs Branch * California Regional Water Quality Control Boards * California Registered Veterinary Technician Committee * California Registrar of Charitable Trusts * California Republican Caucus * California Research and Development Division * California Research Bureau * California Resources Agency * California Respiratory Care Board * California Rivers Assessment * California Rural Health Policy Council * California Safe Schools * California San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission * California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy * California San Joaquin River Conservancy * California School to Career * California Science Center * California Scripps Institution of Oceanography * California Secretary of State Business Portal * California Secretary of State * California Seismic Safety Commission * California Self Insurance Plans (SIP) * California Senate Office of Research * California Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification Program * California Small Business Development Center Program * California Smart Growth Caucus * California Smog Check Information Center * California Spatial Information Library * California Special Education Division * California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board * California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) * California Standards and Assessment Division * California State Administrative Manual (SAM) * California State Allocation Board * California State and Consumer Services Agency * California State Architect * California State Archives * California State Assembly * California State Association of Counties (CSAC) * California State Board of Education * California State Board of Food and Agriculture *California Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) * California State Children's Trust Fund * California State Compensation Insurance Fund * California State Contracts Register Program * California State Contracts Register * California State Controller * California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) * California State Disability Insurance (SDI) * California State Fair (Cal Expo) * California State Jobs Employment Information * California State Lands Commission * California State Legislative Portal * California State Legislature * California State Library Catalog * California State Library Services Bureau * California State Library * California State Lottery * California State Mediation and Conciliation Service * California State Mining and Geology Board * California State Park and Recreation Commission * California State Parks * California State Personnel Board * California State Polytechnic University, Pomona * California State Railroad Museum * California State Science Fair * California State Senate * California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) * California State Summer School for the Arts * California State Superintendent of Public Instruction * California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) * California State Treasurer * California State University Center for Distributed Learning * California State University, Bakersfield * California State University, Channel Islands * California State University, Chico * California State University, Dominguez Hills * California State University, East Bay * California State University, Fresno * California State University, Fullerton * California State University, Long Beach * California State University, Los Angeles * California State University, Monterey Bay * California State University, Northridge * California State University, Sacramento * California State University, San Bernardino * California State University, San Marcos * California State University, Stanislaus * California State University (CSU) * California State Water Project Analysis Office * California State Water Project * California State Water Resources Control Board * California Structural Pest Control Board * California Student Aid Commission * California Superintendent of Public Instruction * California Superior Courts * California Tahoe Conservancy * California Task Force on Culturally and Linguistically Competent Physicians and Dentists * California Tax Information Center * California Technology and Administration Branch Finance * California Telecommunications Division * California Telephone Medical Advice Services (TAMS) * California Transportation Commission * California Travel and Transportation Agency * California Unclaimed Property Program * California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board * California Unemployment Insurance Program * California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission * California Veterans Board * California Veterans Memorial * California Veterinary Medical Board and Registered Veterinary Technician Examining Committee * California Veterinary Medical Board * California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board * California Volunteers * California Voter Registration * California Water Commission * California Water Environment Association (COWPEA) * California Water Resources Control Board * California Welfare to Work Division * California Wetlands Information System * California Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch * California Wildlife Conservation Board * California Wildlife Programs Branch * California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) * California Workers Compensation Appeals Board * California Workforce and Labor Development Agency * California Workforce Investment Board * California Youth Authority (CYA) * Central Valley Flood Protection Board * Center for California Studies * Colorado River Board of California * Counting California * Dental Board of California * Health Insurance Plan of California (PacAdvantage) * Humboldt State University * Jobs with the State of California * Judicial Council of California * Learn California * Library of California * Lieutenant Governors Commission for One California * Little Hoover Commission (on California State Government Organization and Economy) * Medical Board of California * Medi-Cal * Osteopathic Medical Board of California * Physical Therapy Board of California * Regents of the University of California * San Diego State University * San Francisco State University * San Jose State University * Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy * State Bar of California * Supreme Court of California * Teach California * University of California * University of California, Berkeley * University of California, Davis * University of California, Hastings College of the Law * University of California, Irvine * University of California, Los Angeles * University of California, Merced * University of California, Riverside * University of California, San Diego * University of California, San Francisco * University of California, Santa Barbara * University of California, Santa Cruz * Veterans Home of California

30% Workers Compensation Rate increase/ 1099s

Yesterday the Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau chief actuary estimated a 30% workers compensation rate increase for January 1 2011. This will have to go to the Board of WCIRB.

The WCIRB recommendation is purely advisory and can be rejected or modified by the Insurance Commissioner Poizner. Last fall the bureau called for a 22.8 percent increase which Poizner rejected citing the poor economy and need for insurers to cut costs. WCIRB makes annual or semi-annual rate recommendations. This latest recommendation is consistent with their last proposed rate increase of 23.7 percent. The WCIRB cited escalating claims costs and recent court decisions as the basis for the need to increase rates.

The Senate Jobs bill will be coming back to the Senate in September. As you know by prior emails they are looking at adding an amendment to change the requirement of 1099s for all goods and service providers who receive over $600 from your business.

An amendment has been put forth by Senator Baucus to eliminate filing for businesses with less than 25 employees and for those over 25 increase the threshold from $600 to $5000. To make up the revenues they would charge a tax on the 5 largest oil companies.

It has not been reported how much this will raise but the health bill with 1099 requirement would raise $17 billion over 10 years.

The question is if this tax raises $17 billion or more why not repeal the requirement completely. Small Business California is looking into this.


Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188

Monday, August 02, 2010

Tax Hike Misinformation

I have received four emails that begin with the below information. I have deleted the other things this email pointed out because there are numerous errors and I do not have time to go line by line.

The assertion that people will have to pay taxes on their employer provided health insurance is wrong unless in 2018 it is deemed to be a Cadillac plan. Employers will however have to include health insurance in W2s beginning 2011 but again employees will not pay taxes.

Do not forward these kind of emails. I would also be interested to know if you have received this. From what I can tell these emails are being sent without a signature and getting forwarded by recipients.

Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2011 TAX HIKES Read it and weep! Notice they thought they could put it in after this November election: Past this on to likely voters. Small business are smart people, they are not hiring or expanding because they see lower or no profits, increased cost and a worsening economy.


In just six months, the largest tax hikes in the history of America will take effect. They will hit families and small businesses in three great waves on January 1, 2011:

Biggest surprise to working Americans:

Now your insurance is INCOME on your W2's...... One of the surprises we'll find come next year, is what follows - - a little "surprise" that 99% of us had no idea was included in the "new and improved" healthcare legislation

Starting in 2011, (next year folks), your W-2 tax form sent by your employer will be increased to show the value of whatever health insurance you are given by the company.

You will now be required to pay taxes on a large sum of money that you have never seen.

Take your tax form you just finished and see what $15,000 or $20,000 additional gross does to your Tax debt. That's what you'll pay next year. For many, it also puts you into a new higher bracket so it's even worse.

Here is an explanation of the rest.