In previous emails I have talked about the sales tax inequity for contractors bidding on jobs where a large manufacture/ contractor also compete for work.
This inequity not only hurts small business but cost the state close to $1 billion.
Yesterday we met with Betty Yee the Chair of the Board of Equalization and she confirmed this can only be fixed by legislation.
We then went across the street to the Capitol and met with Daryl Steinberg’s budget person and briefly with the Senator. We are hoping that the Senator will send a letter of inquiry to the Board of Equalization on this issue.
As I have told you one of the benefits SB Cal provides its members is that if you send us something you would like the government to take action on or have a question of government we will send your letter to our contacts in state government if we agree your issue.
The first request we had was from Skip Brown from Delta Construction who sent us on August 4 his letter to the governor. He has been working on this issue for 20 years with no success. Yesterday he was in the conversation with Betty Yee and Senator Steinberg.
I don’t think any business organization provides this kind of service to its members.
Also if you are meeting with government people and they ask how the state can get more revenue in these difficult economic times cite this example.
It is going to be a busy week for SB Cal. Today we are meeting with Speaker Pelosi’s office on Healthy Families. On Monday we will be meeting with Assemblywoman Jackie Speier and presenting the small business agenda and the concerns we have on the health debate. A week from today I will be part of a program at the SF Chamber speaking further on the health issue. Attending the event will be Speaker Pelosi and Mayor Gavin Newsom.
We are out there constantly getting the voice of small business heard.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Health Insurance Cooperatives/ Small Business California Fundraiser
The new buzz words in the health debate is Health Insurance Cooperatives. It appears that a public health plan is facing serious political problems and President Obama seems to be backing away from requiring a public health plan to be part of any major health reform.
What is a Cooperative- A health insurance cooperative is a member owned nonprofit group. It would provide its members with health insurance options. Cooperatives could be formed at a National, State or local level.
Senator Kent Conrad has proposed this to compete with private insurers.
Broadly Senator Conrad’s plan would create a system in which government would offer seed money[$6 billion] to doctors, businesses and hospitals to form cooperatives. Eventually these coops would become self supporting. A temporary government board would help set up the coop which Conrad has suggested might be a national entity with state-level affiliates.
What do you think about? Is it good or bad for small business.
I get a lot of calls from the media on the health issue and I want to put together a list of small business owners around the state that will speak to this issue. Please let me know if you are interested. Be sure to include contact information and location
On Thursday Small Business California will be doing a fund raiser recognizing 25 years of small business leaders in SF. I have mentioned this before but it is really coming together with about 80 small business leaders attending. I believe SF is the only place in the country that has a Small Business Commission pat by the voters.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the sales tax inequity for one of our member. I said as a benefit to our members we will use Small Business California contacts in state government and with associations to get their issue addressed. I heard a couple of days ago that Betty Yee head of the Board of Equalization will be contacting me in the next couple of weeks to discuss this issue.
We have also garnered letters of support from the SF Chamber and the SF Chapter of the Building Owners and Managers Association. I also want to recognize Barbara Kaufman who represents the governor in the Bay Area for delivering the letter to Betty Yee. I would appreciate your thanking her. You can just hi the reply all as her email is above.
We believe this could increase revenues to the state in the area of $1 billion and close an inequity for small business.
We are also in contact with the LA Times on this issue.. If you want a copy of the letter we have sent on this issue please contact me. When the governor and legislators or any government people ask you where they can get more revenues you can cite this.
Also this is a great example of what Small Business California can do for its members.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business Califortnia
415-680-2188
What is a Cooperative- A health insurance cooperative is a member owned nonprofit group. It would provide its members with health insurance options. Cooperatives could be formed at a National, State or local level.
Senator Kent Conrad has proposed this to compete with private insurers.
Broadly Senator Conrad’s plan would create a system in which government would offer seed money[$6 billion] to doctors, businesses and hospitals to form cooperatives. Eventually these coops would become self supporting. A temporary government board would help set up the coop which Conrad has suggested might be a national entity with state-level affiliates.
What do you think about? Is it good or bad for small business.
I get a lot of calls from the media on the health issue and I want to put together a list of small business owners around the state that will speak to this issue. Please let me know if you are interested. Be sure to include contact information and location
On Thursday Small Business California will be doing a fund raiser recognizing 25 years of small business leaders in SF. I have mentioned this before but it is really coming together with about 80 small business leaders attending. I believe SF is the only place in the country that has a Small Business Commission pat by the voters.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the sales tax inequity for one of our member. I said as a benefit to our members we will use Small Business California contacts in state government and with associations to get their issue addressed. I heard a couple of days ago that Betty Yee head of the Board of Equalization will be contacting me in the next couple of weeks to discuss this issue.
We have also garnered letters of support from the SF Chamber and the SF Chapter of the Building Owners and Managers Association. I also want to recognize Barbara Kaufman who represents the governor in the Bay Area for delivering the letter to Betty Yee. I would appreciate your thanking her. You can just hi the reply all as her email is above.
We believe this could increase revenues to the state in the area of $1 billion and close an inequity for small business.
We are also in contact with the LA Times on this issue.. If you want a copy of the letter we have sent on this issue please contact me. When the governor and legislators or any government people ask you where they can get more revenues you can cite this.
Also this is a great example of what Small Business California can do for its members.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business Califortnia
415-680-2188
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Small Business Tax Inequity/ Scam on California Businesses
A few weeks ago I indicated that Small Business California was offering a new benefit to our members that being where appropriate sending their concerns and comments to state lawmakers. One of our new members took advantage of this and sent me a letter to the Governor requesting that he look into a tax inequity whereby large material suppliers/contractor pay a different tax on projects to the state than small construction contractors like his. On one job alone where he was the successful bidder his taxes on the project was $21525 and the taxes on the same project by a large material supplier/ contactor was $10700.
It is estimated that if this loophole was closed the state would save hundreds of millions of dollars and small businesses like his would have a level playing field
Small Business California sent a copy of the letter to two representatives of the Governor, Senator Steinberg’s office and Speaker Bass’s office. Barbara Kaufman in the Governor’s office in SF hand delivered the letter to Betty Yee the Chairwoman of the State Board of Equalization.
We of course are going to pursue this. While we may not be as successful with other letters we receive we offer to our members this benefit. If you are not a member please consider joining You can do so by going to our website at www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
.The author of the letter Skip Brown of Delta Construction has authorized us to send this letter to others so if you would like a copy please let me know
See below information sent by Senator Benoit about a scam on California small businesses
Benoit Special Alert: New Scam Targeting California Businesses
Example Of A Scam Letter Sent
I have just become aware of a new scam directed at corporations and limited liability companies in California. This scheme, which has also been reported in Nebraska and Colorado, purports that certain documents must be filed with the Secretary of State’s office and only through the third party sending the solicitation.
I sought verification of this new pattern of criminal activity and found that, just last Friday, the Attorney General won a $1.2 million ruling against these rip-off artists – this is a massive scam that everybody should keep an eye out for.
The rip-off revolves around a deceptive letter sent by that third party, encouraging these businesses to comply with their California Corporations Code filing obligations by submitting substantial fees and documents to that third party.
The letter is often characterized by the following:
· Appears similar to a Secretary of State form (generally the Statement of Information form), containing an official-looking seal
· Implies that failing to return the form and pay the requested fee may place the business in legal jeopardy, or might cause the business’ filings with the California Secretary of State to be in default or noncompliant status
· Contains a reference to a “file number,” “Corp Number,” “Corporation Number,” or “Control Number” that does not match the number assigned to the entity by the California Secretary of State
· References or quotes Corporations Code sections inapplicable to the type of entity being solicited, such as Code sections applicable to corporations when soliciting a limited liability company
· References an “annual fee” or “annual payment” rather than a filing fee and that is far in excess of the filing fee for a Statement of Information
· Indicates the submitted information will be treated as private and confidential
Businesses are working around the clock to keep customers satisfied and their doors open. With intimidating official-looking letters, it’s not hard to see why many businesses have fallen prey to this type of ruse.
Here is some official information for any business receiving one of these letters: Statement of Information forms and instructions are available through the Secretary of State’s website here, and the fee required to file the statement is $25 for California stock and foreign corporations, and $20 for California nonprofit corporations and all limited liability companies.
If you receive one of these suspicious solicitations, you are encouraged to contact the Attorney General at the California Department of Justice, Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255 (Sacramento 94244) or through the website here. You can also reach the Public Inquiry Unit, toll-free, at (800) 952-5225 or (916) 322-3360.
In this time of economic despair, it’s essential to be vigilant against the latest efforts of swindlers to make a quick dishonest buck. I hope this information will help avoid creating additional victims of this scam.
JOHN J. BENOITSenator, 37th Senate District
HOME PAGE BIOGRAPHY CONTACT ME CSSRC
Capitol Office:State Capitol, Room 4066Sacramento, CA 95814Phone: (916) 651-4037Fax: (916) 327-2187
Riverside Office: 5225 Canyon Crest Dr., Ste 360Riverside, CA 92507Phone: (951) 680-6750Fax: (951) 680-6757
Palm Desert Office: 73-710 Fred Waring Dr., Ste 108Palm Desert, CA 92260Phone: (760) 568-0408Fax: (760) 568-1501
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
It is estimated that if this loophole was closed the state would save hundreds of millions of dollars and small businesses like his would have a level playing field
Small Business California sent a copy of the letter to two representatives of the Governor, Senator Steinberg’s office and Speaker Bass’s office. Barbara Kaufman in the Governor’s office in SF hand delivered the letter to Betty Yee the Chairwoman of the State Board of Equalization.
We of course are going to pursue this. While we may not be as successful with other letters we receive we offer to our members this benefit. If you are not a member please consider joining You can do so by going to our website at www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
.The author of the letter Skip Brown of Delta Construction has authorized us to send this letter to others so if you would like a copy please let me know
See below information sent by Senator Benoit about a scam on California small businesses
Benoit Special Alert: New Scam Targeting California Businesses
Example Of A Scam Letter Sent
I have just become aware of a new scam directed at corporations and limited liability companies in California. This scheme, which has also been reported in Nebraska and Colorado, purports that certain documents must be filed with the Secretary of State’s office and only through the third party sending the solicitation.
I sought verification of this new pattern of criminal activity and found that, just last Friday, the Attorney General won a $1.2 million ruling against these rip-off artists – this is a massive scam that everybody should keep an eye out for.
The rip-off revolves around a deceptive letter sent by that third party, encouraging these businesses to comply with their California Corporations Code filing obligations by submitting substantial fees and documents to that third party.
The letter is often characterized by the following:
· Appears similar to a Secretary of State form (generally the Statement of Information form), containing an official-looking seal
· Implies that failing to return the form and pay the requested fee may place the business in legal jeopardy, or might cause the business’ filings with the California Secretary of State to be in default or noncompliant status
· Contains a reference to a “file number,” “Corp Number,” “Corporation Number,” or “Control Number” that does not match the number assigned to the entity by the California Secretary of State
· References or quotes Corporations Code sections inapplicable to the type of entity being solicited, such as Code sections applicable to corporations when soliciting a limited liability company
· References an “annual fee” or “annual payment” rather than a filing fee and that is far in excess of the filing fee for a Statement of Information
· Indicates the submitted information will be treated as private and confidential
Businesses are working around the clock to keep customers satisfied and their doors open. With intimidating official-looking letters, it’s not hard to see why many businesses have fallen prey to this type of ruse.
Here is some official information for any business receiving one of these letters: Statement of Information forms and instructions are available through the Secretary of State’s website here, and the fee required to file the statement is $25 for California stock and foreign corporations, and $20 for California nonprofit corporations and all limited liability companies.
If you receive one of these suspicious solicitations, you are encouraged to contact the Attorney General at the California Department of Justice, Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255 (Sacramento 94244) or through the website here. You can also reach the Public Inquiry Unit, toll-free, at (800) 952-5225 or (916) 322-3360.
In this time of economic despair, it’s essential to be vigilant against the latest efforts of swindlers to make a quick dishonest buck. I hope this information will help avoid creating additional victims of this scam.
JOHN J. BENOITSenator, 37th Senate District
HOME PAGE BIOGRAPHY CONTACT ME CSSRC
Capitol Office:State Capitol, Room 4066Sacramento, CA 95814Phone: (916) 651-4037Fax: (916) 327-2187
Riverside Office: 5225 Canyon Crest Dr., Ste 360Riverside, CA 92507Phone: (951) 680-6750Fax: (951) 680-6757
Palm Desert Office: 73-710 Fred Waring Dr., Ste 108Palm Desert, CA 92260Phone: (760) 568-0408Fax: (760) 568-1501
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Launch of Small Business Outreach on AB 32
Small Business California has been asked to sign onto the Business Alliance for a Green Economy. My first reaction when I saw the word Green in the title was that this was an environmental group who really doesn’t care about small business.. I have however looked into the goals of this organization and talked extensively with Susan and find that this really is a business group and in fact at one point Susan worked for a Chamber of Commerce.
While I might have hoped for a more neutral name that would have provided a broader umbrella for all of us, I am convinced it’s in our interest to make our voices known in this critical debate. I urge you to check out the website and statement of principles.
I will be the first to say that AB 32 is not perfect and Small Business California will speak out as it gets implemented putting forth the small business perspective. We have already done this as Hank Ryan and I have served on the committee formed to implement AB32.
Small Business California will be signing onto this and I hope you will consider doing so also. Please note that the Green Business Alliance is linked to the Green Chamber of Commerce and you can click on through the link Support California’s Clean Energy & Climate Security Plan below.
I am in close contact with Susan and I encourage you to contact her if you have any questions. I have copied this email to Susan and her phone number is 650-400-0423. Please let me know your thoughts on this.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Support California’s Clean Energy & Climate Security Plan
We all know that climate change is real and its impacts are being felt now. The good news is that solutions to climate change will keep more money in our local economy and drive economic growth.
-By cutting back on energy use, businesses will save hundreds of dollars annually on energy bills. -By driving more fuel-efficient cars and trucks, Californians will save billions at the pump.
-By reducing air pollution and greening our workplaces, businesses will experience increased worker productivity and fewer employee sick days.
-By diversifying our energy supplies and improving energy efficiency, the state’s economy will be protected from the volatility of fossil fuel markets.
-And by shifting to a clean energy economy, more than 100,000 jobs will be added over the next decade.
Shouldn’t all California businesses support this clean energy vision? Yes, but unfortunately oil companies and dirty industries that are the biggest sources of carbon pollution are more concerned with protecting the status quo than with looking out for what is best for California’s small businesses. That’s why we need your help! The Business Alliance for a Green Economy is reaching out to businesses across the state to build support a clean energy future in California.
If you are a California business owner/operator, please sign the Statement of Principles today. Learn the Facts about California’s clean energy & climate security plan and its impact on business. Join the growing chorus of businesses who support the state’s climate plan!
Questions? Email Susan Frank at greenbizalliance@gmail.com.
While I might have hoped for a more neutral name that would have provided a broader umbrella for all of us, I am convinced it’s in our interest to make our voices known in this critical debate. I urge you to check out the website and statement of principles.
I will be the first to say that AB 32 is not perfect and Small Business California will speak out as it gets implemented putting forth the small business perspective. We have already done this as Hank Ryan and I have served on the committee formed to implement AB32.
Small Business California will be signing onto this and I hope you will consider doing so also. Please note that the Green Business Alliance is linked to the Green Chamber of Commerce and you can click on through the link Support California’s Clean Energy & Climate Security Plan below.
I am in close contact with Susan and I encourage you to contact her if you have any questions. I have copied this email to Susan and her phone number is 650-400-0423. Please let me know your thoughts on this.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Support California’s Clean Energy & Climate Security Plan
We all know that climate change is real and its impacts are being felt now. The good news is that solutions to climate change will keep more money in our local economy and drive economic growth.
-By cutting back on energy use, businesses will save hundreds of dollars annually on energy bills. -By driving more fuel-efficient cars and trucks, Californians will save billions at the pump.
-By reducing air pollution and greening our workplaces, businesses will experience increased worker productivity and fewer employee sick days.
-By diversifying our energy supplies and improving energy efficiency, the state’s economy will be protected from the volatility of fossil fuel markets.
-And by shifting to a clean energy economy, more than 100,000 jobs will be added over the next decade.
Shouldn’t all California businesses support this clean energy vision? Yes, but unfortunately oil companies and dirty industries that are the biggest sources of carbon pollution are more concerned with protecting the status quo than with looking out for what is best for California’s small businesses. That’s why we need your help! The Business Alliance for a Green Economy is reaching out to businesses across the state to build support a clean energy future in California.
If you are a California business owner/operator, please sign the Statement of Principles today. Learn the Facts about California’s clean energy & climate security plan and its impact on business. Join the growing chorus of businesses who support the state’s climate plan!
Questions? Email Susan Frank at greenbizalliance@gmail.com.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Increased Workers Compensation Assessments/ Health Bill/CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards
In the budget signed by the Governor on Tuesday there was a provision that said all the operational cost for the Department of Occupational Safety and Health and the Division of Labor Standards will be fully paid for by employers by increased assessments on their workers compensation policies. The increased assessments will raise $67 million and be on top of the $311 million already assessed on businesses workers compensation policies.
Yesterday House Democrats came to an agreement on the health legislation pending. The significance for small business is that businesses with payrolls of $500000 or more will be required to provide health insurance to their employees or pay a charge of 8% of payroll. The bill previously had a $250000 threshold and sliding scale charges up to 8%. The House and Senate will go on recess in August and it is pretty much agreed that this issue will come back for a vote later in the year. I think it is safe to say this is a big step forward but there remains a lot of details that need to be worked out before legislation goes to the President.
CoolCalifornia Small Business Award
Who is Eligible?All California small businesses (under 100 employees) that candemonstrate climate leadership through a commitment toimplementing and promoting climate–friendly practices areeligible to apply for a CoolCalifornia Small Business Award. How are Winners Selected?This new award program will recognize multiple California smallbusinesses from across the state that demonstrate climateleadership. Each business will be scored according to theirclimate change management practices and related communicationstrategies. Applicants will be eligible for one of two awards –up to 20 CoolCalifornia awards will be presented, andapproximately five ‘Small Business of the Year’ awards will beawarded to businesses that demonstrate exceptional achievement. All award recipients’ businesses will be featured on theCoolCalifornia.org website with links to the business’s webpage.The awards will be presented in November 2009 at the CaliforniaAir Resources Board Headquarters in Sacramento. The closing datefor applications is September 3, 2009.How Do I Apply?The application form and more information on the CoolCaliforniaSmall Business Awards can be found at: http://www.coolcalifornia.org/article/small-business-award-program
For more information, please contact Heather Choi at916-322-3893 or hchoi@arb.ca.gov
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Yesterday House Democrats came to an agreement on the health legislation pending. The significance for small business is that businesses with payrolls of $500000 or more will be required to provide health insurance to their employees or pay a charge of 8% of payroll. The bill previously had a $250000 threshold and sliding scale charges up to 8%. The House and Senate will go on recess in August and it is pretty much agreed that this issue will come back for a vote later in the year. I think it is safe to say this is a big step forward but there remains a lot of details that need to be worked out before legislation goes to the President.
CoolCalifornia Small Business Award
Who is Eligible?All California small businesses (under 100 employees) that candemonstrate climate leadership through a commitment toimplementing and promoting climate–friendly practices areeligible to apply for a CoolCalifornia Small Business Award. How are Winners Selected?This new award program will recognize multiple California smallbusinesses from across the state that demonstrate climateleadership. Each business will be scored according to theirclimate change management practices and related communicationstrategies. Applicants will be eligible for one of two awards –up to 20 CoolCalifornia awards will be presented, andapproximately five ‘Small Business of the Year’ awards will beawarded to businesses that demonstrate exceptional achievement. All award recipients’ businesses will be featured on theCoolCalifornia.org website with links to the business’s webpage.The awards will be presented in November 2009 at the CaliforniaAir Resources Board Headquarters in Sacramento. The closing datefor applications is September 3, 2009.How Do I Apply?The application form and more information on the CoolCaliforniaSmall Business Awards can be found at: http://www.coolcalifornia.org/article/small-business-award-program
For more information, please contact Heather Choi at916-322-3893 or hchoi@arb.ca.gov
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Treasury finalizing $15 billion to help small business Lending/ SBIR Continuing Resolution
Small Business California has been asked by the Department of Industrial Relations to advise you about a program that is available to small employers to help you help you bring employees back to work. Please see information about this.
Very small employers, can you use up to $2,500?
Then you need to know about the state’s “Bring ‘em Back” campaign. There is no need to lose a valued employee to a workplace injury because, through the end of this year, you can be reimbursed for purchases you make to bring that employee back, or keep them on the job, following an injury! That’s because the state’s Division of Workers’ Compensation will reimburse you up to $2,500 for workplace modifications that bring an injured employee back to work.
Getting reimbursed is as easy as filling out a few short forms and providing receipts. In addition to providing reimbursement for purchases that bring an employee back to work or keeping them on the job, the state’s return to work experts are available to provide consultations and presentations for employers, employer organizations or claims administrators on the subject.
Interested in learning more? Follow this link to the state’s http://www.bringemback.org/
campaign page, or go to http://www.dwc.ca.gov/ and click on the “Bring ‘em Back” link in the right navigation pane.
Questions? Contact a representative of the Return to Work Reimbursement Program at (510) 286-6990 or DWCReturntoWork@dir.ca.gov.
The Washington Post reports that the Treasury Department is finalizing a $15 billion initiative to stimulate lending by the SBA by using Federal Funds from the Federal bailout program to buy up SBA loans. Hopefully if put in place this will help small businesses access capital. The Post says “While SBA credit markets are healthier than several months ago, they remain vulnerable to a relapse if,for instance, the wider financial industry suffers another crisis of investor confidence”
On the Small Business Innovative Research front the Senate on Friday passed a continuing resolution that would extend the SBIR program for another two months to September 30. As I have mentioned previously the SBIR funding will end July31st without this continuing resolution.
It is expected to pass the House today. According to people I am working with in Washington both the House and the Senate are negotiating in good faith to find a resolution to the venture capital problem.
I continue to get calls from the media on the health issue. I welcome any of your thoughts and letting me know if you will talk to the media.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Very small employers, can you use up to $2,500?
Then you need to know about the state’s “Bring ‘em Back” campaign. There is no need to lose a valued employee to a workplace injury because, through the end of this year, you can be reimbursed for purchases you make to bring that employee back, or keep them on the job, following an injury! That’s because the state’s Division of Workers’ Compensation will reimburse you up to $2,500 for workplace modifications that bring an injured employee back to work.
Getting reimbursed is as easy as filling out a few short forms and providing receipts. In addition to providing reimbursement for purchases that bring an employee back to work or keeping them on the job, the state’s return to work experts are available to provide consultations and presentations for employers, employer organizations or claims administrators on the subject.
Interested in learning more? Follow this link to the state’s http://www.bringemback.org/
campaign page, or go to http://www.dwc.ca.gov/ and click on the “Bring ‘em Back” link in the right navigation pane.
Questions? Contact a representative of the Return to Work Reimbursement Program at (510) 286-6990 or DWCReturntoWork@dir.ca.gov.
The Washington Post reports that the Treasury Department is finalizing a $15 billion initiative to stimulate lending by the SBA by using Federal Funds from the Federal bailout program to buy up SBA loans. Hopefully if put in place this will help small businesses access capital. The Post says “While SBA credit markets are healthier than several months ago, they remain vulnerable to a relapse if,for instance, the wider financial industry suffers another crisis of investor confidence”
On the Small Business Innovative Research front the Senate on Friday passed a continuing resolution that would extend the SBIR program for another two months to September 30. As I have mentioned previously the SBIR funding will end July31st without this continuing resolution.
It is expected to pass the House today. According to people I am working with in Washington both the House and the Senate are negotiating in good faith to find a resolution to the venture capital problem.
I continue to get calls from the media on the health issue. I welcome any of your thoughts and letting me know if you will talk to the media.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Monday, July 27, 2009
Health Debate
I am sure you are following the health debate in Washington. It is Small Business California’s position that there needs to be more cost containment in both the House and the Senate bills[one in the House and two in the Senate]. Having said that, I think it is important when we talk about cost containment, we do it in the context that quality of care can also be improved with cost containment
I believe when people hear the term cost containment without the quality discussion, it is thought of as just reducing cost and quality of care goes down. I contend this is not necessarily the case. For example reducing hospital cost by eliminating staph infections is a cost reduction and improves the quality of care. In Pennsylvania they have drastically reduced staph infections by monitoring the hospitals and reducing payments when staph infections occur. These are preventable.
Disease management, Electronic medical records and pay for performance just to name a few also reduce cost and improve quality of care .
I think it is important when you are speaking to people on this issue that you keep this in mind and try not to use the term cost control without the quality of care discussion being included.
For those of you that are advocates for small business this is really critical in your discussions.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
I believe when people hear the term cost containment without the quality discussion, it is thought of as just reducing cost and quality of care goes down. I contend this is not necessarily the case. For example reducing hospital cost by eliminating staph infections is a cost reduction and improves the quality of care. In Pennsylvania they have drastically reduced staph infections by monitoring the hospitals and reducing payments when staph infections occur. These are preventable.
Disease management, Electronic medical records and pay for performance just to name a few also reduce cost and improve quality of care .
I think it is important when you are speaking to people on this issue that you keep this in mind and try not to use the term cost control without the quality of care discussion being included.
For those of you that are advocates for small business this is really critical in your discussions.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
FLASH: SCIF Sale Still There
While all the details are not in it appears the budget includes the sale of State Fund raising $1 billion. Small Business California has opposed this as we feel it could have a severe impact on small businesses that remain in State Fund. These small businesses include businesses that have no other options because they are in a high hazard industry.
The details of the sale have not been explained but it seems to us if the better business in State Fund is sold off that would mean that the remaining businesses would have their rates increase.
I really would appreciate your comments and letting me know if you are currently covered by State Fund.
See link below.
www.wcexec.com/articles/WCE01-20090721-001.html
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
The details of the sale have not been explained but it seems to us if the better business in State Fund is sold off that would mean that the remaining businesses would have their rates increase.
I really would appreciate your comments and letting me know if you are currently covered by State Fund.
See link below.
www.wcexec.com/articles/WCE01-20090721-001.html
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Monday, July 20, 2009
CIT $3 Billion Rescue
In a last minute deal CIT will receive $3 billion from major bondholders to keep the company out of bankruptcy. This gives the company time so that it can put together a debt exchange offer to meet its debt of $7.4 billion which comes due in the first quarter of next year.
Besides loans through the SBA CIT is a major short term financier to about 2000 vendors that supply 300000 stores. According to the NY Times ,analyst say 60% of the apparel industry depends on CIT for financing.
On August 20 Small Business California will be hosting a fund raiser for San Francisco small business leaders over the last 25 years. San Francisco has a rich history of small business leadership over that time and as such has gotten passed by the voters the creation of a Charter Small Business Commission. I believe it is the only Charter Commission in the United States. Attending the event will be at least one past Mayor, members past and present from the SF Board of Supervisors and state legislators past and present. The proceeds of the event will go to Small Business California and Clinic By the Bay a Volunteers In Medicine clinic in SF.
Small Business California is always looking for ways to benefit our members. For our members only we will selectively send your emails to lawmakers, media and others where you have an opinion or problem. We have a lot of contacts and we believe your voice can be strengthened by our knowledge of where to send your thoughts. We focus on state issues so this is limited to state people. We also cannot guarantee results and will not send inflammatory comments.
Let me cite examples of where we have done this. A member contacted us on a problem they were having with EDD. We contacted Fiona Ma’s people in SF and the problem was resolved. Another member contacted us on a problem they were having with the state contractor’s license bureau and we referred them to a Governors representative and resolved the problem.
Again we cannot guarantee results but we think this is a major benefit to our members. If you are not a member we hope you will consider joining and taking advantage of this new benefit.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Besides loans through the SBA CIT is a major short term financier to about 2000 vendors that supply 300000 stores. According to the NY Times ,analyst say 60% of the apparel industry depends on CIT for financing.
On August 20 Small Business California will be hosting a fund raiser for San Francisco small business leaders over the last 25 years. San Francisco has a rich history of small business leadership over that time and as such has gotten passed by the voters the creation of a Charter Small Business Commission. I believe it is the only Charter Commission in the United States. Attending the event will be at least one past Mayor, members past and present from the SF Board of Supervisors and state legislators past and present. The proceeds of the event will go to Small Business California and Clinic By the Bay a Volunteers In Medicine clinic in SF.
Small Business California is always looking for ways to benefit our members. For our members only we will selectively send your emails to lawmakers, media and others where you have an opinion or problem. We have a lot of contacts and we believe your voice can be strengthened by our knowledge of where to send your thoughts. We focus on state issues so this is limited to state people. We also cannot guarantee results and will not send inflammatory comments.
Let me cite examples of where we have done this. A member contacted us on a problem they were having with EDD. We contacted Fiona Ma’s people in SF and the problem was resolved. Another member contacted us on a problem they were having with the state contractor’s license bureau and we referred them to a Governors representative and resolved the problem.
Again we cannot guarantee results but we think this is a major benefit to our members. If you are not a member we hope you will consider joining and taking advantage of this new benefit.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Friday, July 17, 2009
SB-Cal Letter to Timothy F. Geithner regarding CIT
Small Business California is sending a letter today to Timothy Geithner asking him to take the lead in saving CIT. While CIT is the immediate need we are also stressing that small business needs to have more access to capital.
I am getting calls from the media asking if I know small businesses that are impacted by the CIT situation. If you are one of their customers I would like to hear from you. I would also like to know if you would talk to the media.
Please tell me your story.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
I am getting calls from the media asking if I know small businesses that are impacted by the CIT situation. If you are one of their customers I would like to hear from you. I would also like to know if you would talk to the media.
Please tell me your story.
Scott Hauge
President
Small Business California
2311 Taraval Street
San Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
SOS: Stop VC bailout at expense of small business
Scott Hauge, founder and president of Small Business California, and Christopher White, of the Bay Area Innovative Alliiance, are sounding the alarm on behalf of small business.
Next week, Congress is scheduled to vote on reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, which directs $2.2 billion annually in federal grants to small technology businesses across the country.
The problem, according to Hauge and White, is that the House bill contains a provision which changes the definition of small business to include subsidiaries of multinational corporations and companies that are majority-owned by multi-billion venture capital funds and other large financial institutions, including foreign financial institutions.
Click here to read their statement. They recommend that people call Rep. Nancy Pelosi's office and Rep. Jackie Speie's office to oppose the changes and keep the original SBIR small business eligibility criteria in place.
Bruce B. Brugmann
SFBG
Founder/Publisher
Next week, Congress is scheduled to vote on reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, which directs $2.2 billion annually in federal grants to small technology businesses across the country.
The problem, according to Hauge and White, is that the House bill contains a provision which changes the definition of small business to include subsidiaries of multinational corporations and companies that are majority-owned by multi-billion venture capital funds and other large financial institutions, including foreign financial institutions.
Click here to read their statement. They recommend that people call Rep. Nancy Pelosi's office and Rep. Jackie Speie's office to oppose the changes and keep the original SBIR small business eligibility criteria in place.
Bruce B. Brugmann
SFBG
Founder/Publisher
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
SB 356 / Cal Cobra
SB 356 passed on a 6 to2 vote yesterday. This is the bill to give small business more input on regulations being put forth by state agencies. Supporting the bill was Aanestad,Correa,Negrete McLeod, Walters Wyland and Yee. Opposed was Florez and Romero. Senators Corbett and Oropeza did not vote.
This bill has a long way to go as it will go to Senate Appropriations and will most likely go to the Suspense File. It must come to the floor of the Senate by May 29th. The goal will be to get it out of Suspense and passed before that date. Thank you to all that wrote letters.
This was a major victory for small business and the small business coalition that has been formed. Small Business California through our lobbyist Lori Kammerer testified in support of the bill yesterday and her and I worked many of the members of the Committee. This bill is sponsored by the National Federation of Business and the California Small Business Association.
AB 23 passed yesterday in Senate Appropriations yesterday and will go to the Senate Floor. It will then go back to the Assembly for concurrence and then to the Governor.
This is the bill that will implement Cal COBRA’s ability to comply with provisions of the economic stimulus package. As most of you know Cal COBRA applies to businesses with 2 to 19 employees and this bill will allow the 65% subsidy for employees on their COBRA health insurance who have been involuntarily laid off from September 2008.
The notices should be going out to those employees shortly after the Governor’s signature. These notices and the subsidy will be handled by insurance carriers.
Scott HaugePresident
Small Business California
2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
This bill has a long way to go as it will go to Senate Appropriations and will most likely go to the Suspense File. It must come to the floor of the Senate by May 29th. The goal will be to get it out of Suspense and passed before that date. Thank you to all that wrote letters.
This was a major victory for small business and the small business coalition that has been formed. Small Business California through our lobbyist Lori Kammerer testified in support of the bill yesterday and her and I worked many of the members of the Committee. This bill is sponsored by the National Federation of Business and the California Small Business Association.
AB 23 passed yesterday in Senate Appropriations yesterday and will go to the Senate Floor. It will then go back to the Assembly for concurrence and then to the Governor.
This is the bill that will implement Cal COBRA’s ability to comply with provisions of the economic stimulus package. As most of you know Cal COBRA applies to businesses with 2 to 19 employees and this bill will allow the 65% subsidy for employees on their COBRA health insurance who have been involuntarily laid off from September 2008.
The notices should be going out to those employees shortly after the Governor’s signature. These notices and the subsidy will be handled by insurance carriers.
Scott HaugePresident
Small Business California
2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com
415-680-2188
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Business Survey/ COBRA/Obama Budget
If you haven’t done so already please complete the business survey we have put together along with the California Workforce Investment Board, NoRTEC, the Assembly Committee on Jobs,Economic Development and the California Workforce Association.
Data is being collected to determine possible gaps and overlaps in workforce services available to businesses throughout the State. Information will be used to help improve the design and delivery of program services.
As you know education and workforce development came up as the second most important issue for small businesses in California.The survey is available here: www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228W4AW4MCE
Thank you for taking a few minutes to help us make a difference
Last week I indicated that the forms are out for employers who have 20 or more employees to notify employees of their COBRA options. This must be sent to employees
By April 18. If you do not send there is a fine of $110 a day and you could have civil liabilities. If you need the forms please let me know and I will send them to you.
There is a lot of discussion about President Obama’s budget. Do you support it as a budget that will get us out of the recession or do you think it is putting too much debt on the country?
Scott HaugePresidentSmall Business California2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188
Data is being collected to determine possible gaps and overlaps in workforce services available to businesses throughout the State. Information will be used to help improve the design and delivery of program services.
As you know education and workforce development came up as the second most important issue for small businesses in California.The survey is available here: www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228W4AW4MCE
Thank you for taking a few minutes to help us make a difference
Last week I indicated that the forms are out for employers who have 20 or more employees to notify employees of their COBRA options. This must be sent to employees
By April 18. If you do not send there is a fine of $110 a day and you could have civil liabilities. If you need the forms please let me know and I will send them to you.
There is a lot of discussion about President Obama’s budget. Do you support it as a budget that will get us out of the recession or do you think it is putting too much debt on the country?
Scott HaugePresidentSmall Business California2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188
Workers' Comp Increase/ PG&E Victory/COBRA
I sent to all of you the Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau Actuarial Committee recommendation of 27% effective July 1 for all new and renewal workers compensation policies. Yesterday the Board of Governors of the Bureau recommended 24.4%.It now goes to the Insurance Commissioner.
Hank Ryan representing Small Business California spoke at a CPUC hearing a few weeks ago against a rate increase by PG&E for small businesses. Last week the CPUC ruled against the PG&E increase. I believe we were the only business organization that spoke against the rate increase. TURN represented residential users and that increase was denied also.
Hank Ryan representing Small Business California is an intervener at the CPUC and he speaks out frequently at the CPUC on behalf of California small businesses.
It is expected that the Federal government will produce the notification form today for employers that are subject to notifying their employees of their COBRA options. For employers with 20 or more employees you will need to send this form to all employees who have been involuntarily terminated September 1,2008 or after.This applies only to those employees that had health insurance through your company. You will be required to pay 65% of your employees premium and will receive a refund from the Federal government
For those employers with 2 to 19 employees your insurance carrier will be sending notice and you will not be required to advance the 65%.
One interesting note is that if you are subject to Federal COBRA[20 or more employees] you are allowed to add 2% for administrative cost. If however you are under state COBRA[ 2 to 19 employees] the insurance company send the notice and bills the employee and can charge 10%.
If you would like a copy of the notification form please look on our homepage at www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
Scott HaugePresidentSmall Business California2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188
Hank Ryan representing Small Business California spoke at a CPUC hearing a few weeks ago against a rate increase by PG&E for small businesses. Last week the CPUC ruled against the PG&E increase. I believe we were the only business organization that spoke against the rate increase. TURN represented residential users and that increase was denied also.
Hank Ryan representing Small Business California is an intervener at the CPUC and he speaks out frequently at the CPUC on behalf of California small businesses.
It is expected that the Federal government will produce the notification form today for employers that are subject to notifying their employees of their COBRA options. For employers with 20 or more employees you will need to send this form to all employees who have been involuntarily terminated September 1,2008 or after.This applies only to those employees that had health insurance through your company. You will be required to pay 65% of your employees premium and will receive a refund from the Federal government
For those employers with 2 to 19 employees your insurance carrier will be sending notice and you will not be required to advance the 65%.
One interesting note is that if you are subject to Federal COBRA[20 or more employees] you are allowed to add 2% for administrative cost. If however you are under state COBRA[ 2 to 19 employees] the insurance company send the notice and bills the employee and can charge 10%.
If you would like a copy of the notification form please look on our homepage at www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
Scott HaugePresidentSmall Business California2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188
Small Business Survey Results / NSBA
The results of our survey are in. 616 of you completed the survey and we received at least one survey from every county in the state.
Some of the findings are:
85% say the state is generally heading in the wrong direction
81% say the economy for small business is poor or very poor
61% of you said your revenues were declining
52% said you are reducing employees or reducing employee hours.
As for issues:
Health Insurance-80% said this was the top or high priority
Quality of Public Education- 70% said this was the top or high priority
Regulations- 61% said this was the top or high priority
Repairing State Infrastructure- 61% said this was the top or high priority
Access to Capitol-57% said this was the top or high priority
Awarding State Contracts to Small Business- 57% said this was the top or high priority.
See complete survey results by going to our website www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
I would like to thank Jim Ross and Jim Ross Consulting in SF for all the help he has provided us in making this survey possible.
Our partner the National Small Business Association is asking for help in developing a website on how small business owners are dealing with the increasing cost of health insurance.NSBA would appreciate any help you can provide and maybe you would be willing to provide a profile. See below. If I can provide any additional information please give me a call.
Scott HaugePresidentSmall Business California2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188
NSBA is in the process of developing a Web site which will focus on how small-business owners are dealing with the increasing cost of health insurance. The site will include information about NSBA's health care policy, resources and other policy statements that are in-line with NSBA's (including documents from NSBA CORE members), links to relevant legislation, data and statistics from both outside sources and the NSBA health care survey (see below), and profiles of small-business owners on the challenges they're facing.
I'd greatly appreciate any input you might be able to provide--reports, studies, statements from your organizations, etc... I'd also like to ask for your help in getting out two requests to some of your folks.
1) We're in the process of getting small-business profiles and, ideally, would like to get a high-resolution picture of the business. We're only looking for a brief description of the challenges their business is facing in coping with the costs of health care - anything from 3 sentences to 2 paragraphs will be perfect and we don't have to have a picture. These profiles can be e-mailed directly to me at mbrogan@nsba.biz. I've attached the e-mail request I used here for you.
2) The survey link below is active until middle-to-late next week. If you can send this survey along to any of your members, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Please feel free to contact me with questions or suggestions. Thank you in advance for your help on this!
Regards,
Molly
202-293-8830
Some of the findings are:
85% say the state is generally heading in the wrong direction
81% say the economy for small business is poor or very poor
61% of you said your revenues were declining
52% said you are reducing employees or reducing employee hours.
As for issues:
Health Insurance-80% said this was the top or high priority
Quality of Public Education- 70% said this was the top or high priority
Regulations- 61% said this was the top or high priority
Repairing State Infrastructure- 61% said this was the top or high priority
Access to Capitol-57% said this was the top or high priority
Awarding State Contracts to Small Business- 57% said this was the top or high priority.
See complete survey results by going to our website www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
I would like to thank Jim Ross and Jim Ross Consulting in SF for all the help he has provided us in making this survey possible.
Our partner the National Small Business Association is asking for help in developing a website on how small business owners are dealing with the increasing cost of health insurance.NSBA would appreciate any help you can provide and maybe you would be willing to provide a profile. See below. If I can provide any additional information please give me a call.
Scott HaugePresidentSmall Business California2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188
NSBA is in the process of developing a Web site which will focus on how small-business owners are dealing with the increasing cost of health insurance. The site will include information about NSBA's health care policy, resources and other policy statements that are in-line with NSBA's (including documents from NSBA CORE members), links to relevant legislation, data and statistics from both outside sources and the NSBA health care survey (see below), and profiles of small-business owners on the challenges they're facing.
I'd greatly appreciate any input you might be able to provide--reports, studies, statements from your organizations, etc... I'd also like to ask for your help in getting out two requests to some of your folks.
1) We're in the process of getting small-business profiles and, ideally, would like to get a high-resolution picture of the business. We're only looking for a brief description of the challenges their business is facing in coping with the costs of health care - anything from 3 sentences to 2 paragraphs will be perfect and we don't have to have a picture. These profiles can be e-mailed directly to me at mbrogan@nsba.biz. I've attached the e-mail request I used here for you.
2) The survey link below is active until middle-to-late next week. If you can send this survey along to any of your members, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Please feel free to contact me with questions or suggestions. Thank you in advance for your help on this!
Regards,
Molly
202-293-8830
COBRA and Stimulus Package
I mentioned that under the COBRA provisions in the stimulus bill small business will have some additional obligations for employees that have been involuntarily terminated. I have received additional information since that email and would like to pass it on to you.
First this will not only apply to Federal COBRA but state COBRA so if you had two or more employees from September 2008 and have laid off employees you will need to notify those employees that they are eligible for a 65% subsidy on their insurance. This notification provision will be required until Jan 1 2010.
If you have 20 or more employees and your employees have opted for COBRA you will be required to advance 65% of the premium and then submit to the Government for reimbursement. When you submit your request to the Government you will need to file a report that includes and attestation of the involuntary termination of the covered employee, the calculation of the offset, a report of estimated offsets for the next reporting period, the TINs of covered employees, the amount of the subsidy to each individual and information as to whether the subsidy provided was for individual or family coverage.
If you have 2 to 19 employees your insurance company is probably billing the exemployee. Needless to say insurance companies are scrambling right now to figure out how they will do this especially given the required information that they must provide to receive reimbursement.
Another provision you should be aware of is that exemployees will have a second chance to take up this COBRA option so in effect it seems to me that if you have laid off employees you will need to advise them of this option.
If you want more detailed information please look on our homepage at www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
Scott HaugePresidentSmall Business California2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188
First this will not only apply to Federal COBRA but state COBRA so if you had two or more employees from September 2008 and have laid off employees you will need to notify those employees that they are eligible for a 65% subsidy on their insurance. This notification provision will be required until Jan 1 2010.
If you have 20 or more employees and your employees have opted for COBRA you will be required to advance 65% of the premium and then submit to the Government for reimbursement. When you submit your request to the Government you will need to file a report that includes and attestation of the involuntary termination of the covered employee, the calculation of the offset, a report of estimated offsets for the next reporting period, the TINs of covered employees, the amount of the subsidy to each individual and information as to whether the subsidy provided was for individual or family coverage.
If you have 2 to 19 employees your insurance company is probably billing the exemployee. Needless to say insurance companies are scrambling right now to figure out how they will do this especially given the required information that they must provide to receive reimbursement.
Another provision you should be aware of is that exemployees will have a second chance to take up this COBRA option so in effect it seems to me that if you have laid off employees you will need to advise them of this option.
If you want more detailed information please look on our homepage at www.smallbusinesscalifornia.org
Scott HaugePresidentSmall Business California2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
2009 Small Business California Survey!
Last week I sent out our annual survey and the response has been a bit slow as we have just under 100 responses. Please take a few moments to complete the survey and forward to other small business owners. This is our chance to tell legislators and the Governor what small business is thinking and what are our concerns.
The results of the survey will be sent to every legislators and the governors office. It also sets the agenda for Small Business California.
Please help us help you.
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB228QR44U46V
Scott Hauge
PresidentSmall Business California
2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188
The results of the survey will be sent to every legislators and the governors office. It also sets the agenda for Small Business California.
Please help us help you.
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB228QR44U46V
Scott Hauge
PresidentSmall Business California
2311 Taraval StreetSan Francisco, CA 94116
shauge@cal-insure.com415-680-2188
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Domestic Partners, Same Sex Marriage
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
