You all have probably seen that it appears Prop 8 is going to pass. Did you know however that regardless of the passage of Prop 8 that if you have a Domestic Partner of one of your employees and they are paying their health insurance premiums through your group plan that the Federal government does not allow a deduction of the premiums from the Domestic partners income tax. In fact they will impute a cost on this. This is also true if you have a same sex marriage.
The state of California does allow a deduction.
I don't want to confuse the issue but I have found a number of small businesses treat the money the employee pays to the group plan for their employees and maybe children as if it automatically is pretax dollars. This is not the case unless you have a 125 plan or maybe a health reimbursement account set up.
Please consult your accountant on this and if you would like to receive information on how the Federal government imputes the tax please let me know.
Scott Hauge
President, Small Business California
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Small Business California
Small Business California recognized San Diego Gas& Electric and Frank Spasaro for their efforts in implementing On Bill Financing for small businesses. The ceremony was at the Army Navy Academy in San Diego which was one of the first organizations to take advantage of On Bill Financing. They received from San Diego Gas &Electric a loan at 0% interest and have paid it back in about one year using the savings on their energy bill. They said had it not been for On Bill Financing they would not have been able to take advantage of the cost savings available to them by the retrofit.
Small Business California created this program in California. While San Diego Gas & Electric is clearly in the lead on this, PG&E and Southern California Edison have come on board and will also be implementing an On Bill Saving program.
You may not be aware that Small Business California has Intervener status at the California Public Utilities Commission and we have pushed hard move this program forward. We are also playing a major role Nationally in pushing for On Bill Financing and have been in discussion with the SBA about this. Hank Ryan our Executive Director has been incredible in representing us on this issue.
On another front you all are aware that Small Business California sponsored SB 869 which goes after businesses that are not providing workers compensation coverage for their employees. The second batch of letters have been sent by the Workers Compensation Rating Bureau to employers that were provided to them by EDD. As was the case with the first 500 letters sent 15% of the businesses that received these letters had no workers compensation coverage. It is clear that there is major problem in California with businesses literally breaking the law and hurting legitimate businesses that are playing by the rules.
I hope you agree that Small Business California is making a difference for small businesses in California. If you haven't done so already please join our organization. The cost is $150 for businesses with less than $1 million receipts and $300 for those over $1 million.We need your help to. You can find out what we are doing by visiting our website at http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/
The application for membership is available on the website.
Scott HaugePresidentSmall Business California2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188
Small Business California created this program in California. While San Diego Gas & Electric is clearly in the lead on this, PG&E and Southern California Edison have come on board and will also be implementing an On Bill Saving program.
You may not be aware that Small Business California has Intervener status at the California Public Utilities Commission and we have pushed hard move this program forward. We are also playing a major role Nationally in pushing for On Bill Financing and have been in discussion with the SBA about this. Hank Ryan our Executive Director has been incredible in representing us on this issue.
On another front you all are aware that Small Business California sponsored SB 869 which goes after businesses that are not providing workers compensation coverage for their employees. The second batch of letters have been sent by the Workers Compensation Rating Bureau to employers that were provided to them by EDD. As was the case with the first 500 letters sent 15% of the businesses that received these letters had no workers compensation coverage. It is clear that there is major problem in California with businesses literally breaking the law and hurting legitimate businesses that are playing by the rules.
I hope you agree that Small Business California is making a difference for small businesses in California. If you haven't done so already please join our organization. The cost is $150 for businesses with less than $1 million receipts and $300 for those over $1 million.We need your help to. You can find out what we are doing by visiting our website at http://www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org/
The application for membership is available on the website.
Scott HaugePresidentSmall Business California2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
SB-Cal Activities
You all know that SB Cal is the lead small business organization in the state on energy issues. What you may not know is that we have intervener status at the California Public Utilities Commission. Hank Ryan our Executive Director represents us and in my opinion is the most knowledgeable person in the state on these issues. Yesterday he filed his comments to the CPUC regarding On Bill Financing. On Bill Financing exist in California due to his efforts. I also want to note that San Diego Gas &Electric is approaching $2 million in On Bill Financing and they have clearly been the leader with the Investor Owned Utilities.
Based on our survey the number 2 issue for small businesses in California is education and workforce development. Ginne Mistal, our board member in Redding, is working with the California Workforce Investment Board to develop best practices of local Workforce Investment Boards around the state.On September 11, she went to a meeting of the California Workforce Association and presented the questions SB-Cal and the California Workforce Investment Board developed. I might note that we had a lot of assistance from NORTEC who run some great programs in I believe 10 counties in the Redding, Chico, Yuba area.
Scott Hauge
PresidentSmall Business California
Based on our survey the number 2 issue for small businesses in California is education and workforce development. Ginne Mistal, our board member in Redding, is working with the California Workforce Investment Board to develop best practices of local Workforce Investment Boards around the state.On September 11, she went to a meeting of the California Workforce Association and presented the questions SB-Cal and the California Workforce Investment Board developed. I might note that we had a lot of assistance from NORTEC who run some great programs in I believe 10 counties in the Redding, Chico, Yuba area.
Scott Hauge
PresidentSmall Business California
Small Business Exemption
You all have heard by now that the Senate and Assembly passed a budget. The good news is we got an exemption for small businesses. The bad news is that instead of getting the exemption for businesses under $5 million it is for businesses under $500000.
We of course are disappointed with the reduction but without the leadership of Small Business California and the 35 associations that fought for the this there would have been no exemption.
Scott
We of course are disappointed with the reduction but without the leadership of Small Business California and the 35 associations that fought for the this there would have been no exemption.
Scott
Friday, July 25, 2008
Loss Carryover Letter
Dear CA Small Business:
Please copy and paste the letter text below to your company letterhead and send to me at shauge@cal-insure.com. Please fill in your name, title, and comany name. Thank you.
July 25, 2008
The Honorable Dave Cogdill and The Honorable Don Perata
California State Senate
Sacramento, CA 95814
The Honorable Karen Bass and The Honorable Michael Villines
California State Assembly
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Exemption for small businesses from loss carryover tax suspension
Dear Senators and Assembly Members:
I am a small business owner in California. I am very concerned about the proposal from the Senate/Assembly supporting the Net Operating Loss Carryover.
This proposal is being put forth as a big business tax loophole, but in reality it effects over 6 small businesses (under $5 million in receipts) for every 1 large company.
This measure would have a devastating impact on start-up businesses, small businesses interested in expanding and small businesses impacted by the cyclical economy.
I urge you to seriously consider the impact of this measure and if it does move forward, exempt businesses with less than $5 million in revenues. Thank you.
Regards,
Name
Title
Company
Please copy and paste the letter text below to your company letterhead and send to me at shauge@cal-insure.com. Please fill in your name, title, and comany name. Thank you.
July 25, 2008
The Honorable Dave Cogdill and The Honorable Don Perata
California State Senate
Sacramento, CA 95814
The Honorable Karen Bass and The Honorable Michael Villines
California State Assembly
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Exemption for small businesses from loss carryover tax suspension
Dear Senators and Assembly Members:
I am a small business owner in California. I am very concerned about the proposal from the Senate/Assembly supporting the Net Operating Loss Carryover.
This proposal is being put forth as a big business tax loophole, but in reality it effects over 6 small businesses (under $5 million in receipts) for every 1 large company.
This measure would have a devastating impact on start-up businesses, small businesses interested in expanding and small businesses impacted by the cyclical economy.
I urge you to seriously consider the impact of this measure and if it does move forward, exempt businesses with less than $5 million in revenues. Thank you.
Regards,
Name
Title
Company
Thursday, July 24, 2008
California Tax Measure Adversely Impacts Small Business: Please read!
Please see Press Release below:
Public Relations NEWS RELEASE
Client: Small Business California Date: July 23, 2008
San Francisco
Contacts: Paul von Beroldingen Scott Hauge, President
PVB Public Relations Small Business California
Off 415•751•1858 + Cell 415•264•8524 Off 415•680•2109 + Cell 415•699•9100
E-mail: paul@pvbpr.com E-mail: shauge@cal-insure.com
California Tax Measure Adversely Impacts Small Business
Organizations working on behalf of 3.2 million small businesses
request exemption from loss carryover tax suspension
SAN FRANCISCO, July 23 — Prestigious business organizations throughout California are urging Sacramento legislators and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to grant an exemption for small businesses in a proposed tax measure suspending net operating losses for three years.
The controversial tax measure — one provision in a state budget plan calling for $8.2 billion in new taxes — is designed to close a loophole for large corporations and generate $1.1 billion for the state. But small businesses earning less than $5 million in revenue may suffer the most negative effects.
“Although 80 percent of the total taxes would come from businesses with more that $5 million in revenues, more than six small businesses would be impacted for every large one,” according to Scott Hauge, founder and president of Small Business California, a business advocacy organization, and president of CAL Insurance & Associates in San Francisco.
“California’s economy is driven by 3.2 million small businesses that struggle to endure economic downturns, while investing in future growth and creating most of the new jobs at considerable personal and financial risk,” Hauge adds. “The issue is not just a ‘small business’ issue. It's really about the state's overall economy.”
Companies in California are permitted to carry forward net operating losses incurred in one year and use them as deductions against earnings in future years. The proposed budget would suspend the losses for three years. If a business operates at a loss — often the case with start-ups or businesses that add employees, expand inventory or upgrade equipment — it could not carry over that loss in subsequent years to mitigate the tax burden.
(more)
Tax Measure Adversely Impacts California Small Business — NEWS RELEASE Page 2 of 2
The list of 29 organizations signing a letter to state legislators requesting the exemption includes key chambers of commerce, local merchant groups, and statewide manufacturing and building associations:
Asian Business Association of Orange County
Associated Builders and Contractors of California
Building Owners and Managers Association of San Francisco
California Association of Competitive Telecommunications Companies (CALTEL)
California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO)
California Chapter of the American Contractors’ Association
California Employers Association
California Fence Contractors’ Association
California Metals Association
Engineering Contractors' Association
Flasher/Barricade Association
Golden Gate Restaurant Association
Los Angeles National Association of Women Business Owners
Marin Builders’ Association
Napa Chamber of Commerce
National Association of the Remodeling Industry San Francisco Bay Area
Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors of California
San Diego Chamber of Commerce
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
San Francisco Council of District Merchants Associations
San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
San Francisco Marina Merchants Association
San Francisco National Association of Women Business Owners
San Francisco Small Business Advocates
San Francisco Small Business Network
Small Business California
Small Business Majority
Small Manufacturers Association of California
# # #
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Paul von Beroldingen Scott Hauge, President
PVB Public Relations Small Business California
Office: 415•751•1858 Office: 415•680•2109
Mobile: 415•264•8524 Mobile: 415•699•9100
E-mail: paul@pvbpr.com E-mail: shauge@cal-insure.com
Public Relations NEWS RELEASE
Client: Small Business California Date: July 23, 2008
San Francisco
Contacts: Paul von Beroldingen Scott Hauge, President
PVB Public Relations Small Business California
Off 415•751•1858 + Cell 415•264•8524 Off 415•680•2109 + Cell 415•699•9100
E-mail: paul@pvbpr.com E-mail: shauge@cal-insure.com
California Tax Measure Adversely Impacts Small Business
Organizations working on behalf of 3.2 million small businesses
request exemption from loss carryover tax suspension
SAN FRANCISCO, July 23 — Prestigious business organizations throughout California are urging Sacramento legislators and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to grant an exemption for small businesses in a proposed tax measure suspending net operating losses for three years.
The controversial tax measure — one provision in a state budget plan calling for $8.2 billion in new taxes — is designed to close a loophole for large corporations and generate $1.1 billion for the state. But small businesses earning less than $5 million in revenue may suffer the most negative effects.
“Although 80 percent of the total taxes would come from businesses with more that $5 million in revenues, more than six small businesses would be impacted for every large one,” according to Scott Hauge, founder and president of Small Business California, a business advocacy organization, and president of CAL Insurance & Associates in San Francisco.
“California’s economy is driven by 3.2 million small businesses that struggle to endure economic downturns, while investing in future growth and creating most of the new jobs at considerable personal and financial risk,” Hauge adds. “The issue is not just a ‘small business’ issue. It's really about the state's overall economy.”
Companies in California are permitted to carry forward net operating losses incurred in one year and use them as deductions against earnings in future years. The proposed budget would suspend the losses for three years. If a business operates at a loss — often the case with start-ups or businesses that add employees, expand inventory or upgrade equipment — it could not carry over that loss in subsequent years to mitigate the tax burden.
(more)
Tax Measure Adversely Impacts California Small Business — NEWS RELEASE Page 2 of 2
The list of 29 organizations signing a letter to state legislators requesting the exemption includes key chambers of commerce, local merchant groups, and statewide manufacturing and building associations:
Asian Business Association of Orange County
Associated Builders and Contractors of California
Building Owners and Managers Association of San Francisco
California Association of Competitive Telecommunications Companies (CALTEL)
California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO)
California Chapter of the American Contractors’ Association
California Employers Association
California Fence Contractors’ Association
California Metals Association
Engineering Contractors' Association
Flasher/Barricade Association
Golden Gate Restaurant Association
Los Angeles National Association of Women Business Owners
Marin Builders’ Association
Napa Chamber of Commerce
National Association of the Remodeling Industry San Francisco Bay Area
Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors of California
San Diego Chamber of Commerce
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
San Francisco Council of District Merchants Associations
San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
San Francisco Marina Merchants Association
San Francisco National Association of Women Business Owners
San Francisco Small Business Advocates
San Francisco Small Business Network
Small Business California
Small Business Majority
Small Manufacturers Association of California
# # #
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Paul von Beroldingen Scott Hauge, President
PVB Public Relations Small Business California
Office: 415•751•1858 Office: 415•680•2109
Mobile: 415•264•8524 Mobile: 415•699•9100
E-mail: paul@pvbpr.com E-mail: shauge@cal-insure.com
Monday, May 19, 2008
SB-Cal Successes
Last week was a good week for Small Business California. At a Workers Compensation Forum in Monterey John Duncan the head of the Department of Industrial Relations announced the implementation of SB 869. This bill as you may recall had EDD send to the Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Board [WCIRB]names of businesses to see if they have workers compensation coverage. The underground economy is a big issue for small businesses as you well know and this will begin to level the playing field. Mr. Duncan indicated that the first 500 names were sent to the WCIRB last week and applauded Small Business California for putting forth this bill.
Small Business California owes a big debt of gratitude to Christine Baker and Lach Taylor from the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers Compensation and to Lori Kammerer our lobbyist in Sacramento.
Secondly our bill AB2181 Ruskin was passed on consent calendar in the Assembly. This bill requires insurers to provide information to businesses upon there first lost time workers compensation claim about possible lawsuits that could arise from 132a claims[wrongful termination] and Fair Employment and Housing[ FEHA] claims for not following the interactive process.
Lastly I made a presentation at the Workers Compensation forum in Monterey on Thursday representing small business and the impact of the workers compensation reforms and our vision of what is going to be the future of workers compensation for small businesses in California.
One final note for those of you that may not have heard the WCIRB has recommended no increase in workers compensation rates in July.
Scott Hauge
President, Small Business California.
Small Business California owes a big debt of gratitude to Christine Baker and Lach Taylor from the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers Compensation and to Lori Kammerer our lobbyist in Sacramento.
Secondly our bill AB2181 Ruskin was passed on consent calendar in the Assembly. This bill requires insurers to provide information to businesses upon there first lost time workers compensation claim about possible lawsuits that could arise from 132a claims[wrongful termination] and Fair Employment and Housing[ FEHA] claims for not following the interactive process.
Lastly I made a presentation at the Workers Compensation forum in Monterey on Thursday representing small business and the impact of the workers compensation reforms and our vision of what is going to be the future of workers compensation for small businesses in California.
One final note for those of you that may not have heard the WCIRB has recommended no increase in workers compensation rates in July.
Scott Hauge
President, Small Business California.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
SB 1490: Independent Contractors
We all know that misclassification of Independent Contractors is a problem in California. We also know that there is a lot of confusion by small business owner what constitutes an Independent Contractor and in some cases the definition by EDD and the IRS are different.
SB1490 has been introduced by Senator Padilla. What it does according to the analysis by the Senate Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations
" Requires a person employing labor in California to provide an individual hired as an independent contractor a form developed by EDD that includes 1 a notice that the individual has been hired as an independent contractor 2 the factors EDD uses to determine to determine whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor 3 a statement explaining the impact that the individual's status has on his or her tax obligations and eligibility for labor and employment protections and 4 a notice of the individual's ability to request from EDD a determination as to whether the individual is an employee or independent contractor and means by which this determination may be obtained.
Requires an employer to maintain, for not less than two years, specified records identifying all persons hired as independent contractors and to make those records available for inspection upon request of EDD, a member of the Industrial Welfare Commission, or the Department of Industrial Relations.
Grants an individual hired as an independent contractor the right to request a determination by EDD as to whether he or she is an employee or independent contractor.
Expands the application of existing civil penalty and misdemeanor provision to the compliance requirements for record keeping and access with respect to independent contractors
Gives EDD power to develop the required form, to process the request for a determination, and to take all steps reasonably necessary to carry out the duties relating to independent contractors specified in the bill."
Please let me know your thoughts on this? Do you think this is important to small business. I will be talking to the point person in Senator Padilla's today. Your views will be expressed
SB1490 has been introduced by Senator Padilla. What it does according to the analysis by the Senate Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations
" Requires a person employing labor in California to provide an individual hired as an independent contractor a form developed by EDD that includes 1 a notice that the individual has been hired as an independent contractor 2 the factors EDD uses to determine to determine whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor 3 a statement explaining the impact that the individual's status has on his or her tax obligations and eligibility for labor and employment protections and 4 a notice of the individual's ability to request from EDD a determination as to whether the individual is an employee or independent contractor and means by which this determination may be obtained.
Requires an employer to maintain, for not less than two years, specified records identifying all persons hired as independent contractors and to make those records available for inspection upon request of EDD, a member of the Industrial Welfare Commission, or the Department of Industrial Relations.
Grants an individual hired as an independent contractor the right to request a determination by EDD as to whether he or she is an employee or independent contractor.
Expands the application of existing civil penalty and misdemeanor provision to the compliance requirements for record keeping and access with respect to independent contractors
Gives EDD power to develop the required form, to process the request for a determination, and to take all steps reasonably necessary to carry out the duties relating to independent contractors specified in the bill."
Please let me know your thoughts on this? Do you think this is important to small business. I will be talking to the point person in Senator Padilla's today. Your views will be expressed
Friday, February 22, 2008
Small Business: 70 Million Strong and Voting
Small Business California Partners with NSBA to Kick-off Outreach Campaign
Small Business: 70 Million Strong…And Voting
Washington, D.C. — More than one in two people in the U.S. private workforce work for or run a small business, according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy and U.S. Census Bureau. To underscore the significance of this number, the National Small Business Association (NSBA) today unveiled a broad campaign, “Small Business: 70 Million Strong…And Voting” to educate lawmakers, candidates and the public on the importance of small business.
“For the past 15 years, small business has created on average 93.5 percent of all net new jobs and comprised 99 percent of all employers, yet continues to be an afterthought for many lawmakers and candidates,” stated NSBA President Todd McCracken. “This campaign will help us change how people think and talk about small business.”
NSBA is working closely with affiliate members across the country to get the word out about the significance of the overall small-business community. The campaign aims to address the lack of small-business focus in the 2008 election season by urging every small-business owner and employee in the U.S. to speak out as part of the overall small-business community.
The importance of small business isn’t disputed. In fact, in the 2007 Harris Interactive Poll, Confidence in Leaders of Major Institutions, 54 percent of adults expressed a great deal of confidence in small-business owners—the only group in the past three years to garner such a high rating from a majority of people. The target for NSBA is to get people talking about, and recognizing, how truly broad and significant the small-business community is to the U.S. economy.
“Beyond the very positive attitudes people have about small business, we want to drive home the point that small business comprises 33 percent of the voting population in the U.S.,” stated Scott Hauge. “We want to let people know that the small-business community is a force to be reckoned with.”
Since 1937, NSBA has advocated on behalf of America’s entrepreneurs. Reaching more than 150,000 small businesses, NSBA is proud to be the first national small-business advocacy organization in the United States.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
Small Business: 70 Million Strong…And Voting
Washington, D.C. — More than one in two people in the U.S. private workforce work for or run a small business, according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy and U.S. Census Bureau. To underscore the significance of this number, the National Small Business Association (NSBA) today unveiled a broad campaign, “Small Business: 70 Million Strong…And Voting” to educate lawmakers, candidates and the public on the importance of small business.
“For the past 15 years, small business has created on average 93.5 percent of all net new jobs and comprised 99 percent of all employers, yet continues to be an afterthought for many lawmakers and candidates,” stated NSBA President Todd McCracken. “This campaign will help us change how people think and talk about small business.”
NSBA is working closely with affiliate members across the country to get the word out about the significance of the overall small-business community. The campaign aims to address the lack of small-business focus in the 2008 election season by urging every small-business owner and employee in the U.S. to speak out as part of the overall small-business community.
The importance of small business isn’t disputed. In fact, in the 2007 Harris Interactive Poll, Confidence in Leaders of Major Institutions, 54 percent of adults expressed a great deal of confidence in small-business owners—the only group in the past three years to garner such a high rating from a majority of people. The target for NSBA is to get people talking about, and recognizing, how truly broad and significant the small-business community is to the U.S. economy.
“Beyond the very positive attitudes people have about small business, we want to drive home the point that small business comprises 33 percent of the voting population in the U.S.,” stated Scott Hauge. “We want to let people know that the small-business community is a force to be reckoned with.”
Since 1937, NSBA has advocated on behalf of America’s entrepreneurs. Reaching more than 150,000 small businesses, NSBA is proud to be the first national small-business advocacy organization in the United States.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Small Business California Successes
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
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
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.
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