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VOLUME 48, NUMBER 2 • JANUARY 28, 2022
CalChamber, Coalition Fight Newest Job Killer
Bill Will Worsen
Single-Payer Health Care Housing Crisis
Legislation that expands
The California Chamber coalition, comprised of more than 130 a broken California
of Commerce is leading members, points out that AB 1400 and environmental law
a large and diverse ACA 11 “would create a new and exor- and hurts the ability
coalition of Califor- bitantly expensive government bureau- to build more housing
nia-based organiza- cracy…ultimately resulting in significant was tagged by the
tions in opposing two job loss to California.” California Chamber of
bills that establish and Similar past proposals have been Commerce as a job killer this week.
raise taxes to fund a single-payer health estimated to cost more than $400 billion AB 1001 (Cristina Garcia; D-Bell
care system called “CalCare.” annually, which is a financial commit- Gardens) expands the California
The CalChamber-identified job killer ment four times that of Medi-Cal, the Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
bills are AB 1400 (Kalra; D-San Jose) coalition states in the letter. to incorporate new, highly subjective,
and ACA 11 (Kalra; D-San Jose). “Successfully standing up a new func- nonquantifiable and litigation-bait stan-
AB 1400 awaits action by the entire tion that would be twice the size of the dards into CEQA in an attempt to address
Assembly after passing the Assembly existing state budget is highly doubtful, historical discriminatory land use policies.
Health Committee on January 11 and the given the state’s recent experience with
Assembly Appropriations Committee on benefit delays and massive fraud in the Hard to Build
January 20. unemployment system,” the letter states. “AB 1001 will make it even more
CalChamber Policy Advocate Preston difficult to build quickly and cost effec-
Expensive Bureaucracy Young, who is leading the coalition, tively in California,” said CalChamber
In a letter to the Assembly, the See CalChamber-Led: Page 10 Senior Policy Advocate Adam Regele.
“Issues related to historical environ-
mental injustices in the state should be
addressed through more suitable areas of
California law — but CEQA is not one of
those areas. AB 1001 will impede local
governments’ ability to approve new
housing projects, depress jobs directly
in and associated with the construc-
tion industry and further exacerbate
Associated Press Photo by Rich Pedroncelli
California’s cost-of-living crisis already
driving families, businesses, and jobs out
of the state,” Regele said.
“This bill will worsen California’s
current housing crisis by expanding
CEQA’s most troubling aspects. AB
See Newest Job Killer: Page 4
Inside
Steps to Take When
CalChamber Policy Advocate Preston Young testifies to the Assembly Health Committee on January Employee Tests Positive for
11 about the costly government bureaucracy that will be created by the single-payer health care system
proposed in AB 1400 and ACA 11. Standing is Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), the author of COVID-19: Page 2
both job killer bills.
WWW.CALCHAMBERALERT.COM
CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JANUARY 28, 2022 • PAGE 2
Labor Law Corner
Steps to Take When Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
subcontracted employees, who were on carrier of any employee who tests posi-
the premises at the same worksite as the tive for COVID within three business
qualifying individual within the infec- days. Employers who submit false or
tious period that they may have been misleading information or fail to report
exposed to COVID-19 in a manner the may be subject to a civil penalty of up to
employer normally uses to communicate $10,000.
employment-related information. Written The following information is required:
notice may include, but is not limited to, 1) name of the employee who tested
personal service, email, or text message positive;
Sunny Lee if it can reasonably be anticipated to be 2) date of the positive test;
HR Adviser
received by the employee within one 3) address where the employee works
What am I required to do when an business day of sending and shall be in and where the employee worked during
employee tests positive for COVID? both English and the language understood the 14 days preceding the date of the test;
• Notify employees and employers by the majority of the employees.” 4) highest number of employees who
of subcontracted employees who were Do not provide the name or medical reported to work within the 45-day period
on the same worksite as the worker condition of the employee who tested immediately preceding the last date that
diagnosed with COVID-19 during the positive. the employee testing positive worked.
infectious period in writing within one For more information on this require- Other information that may be helpful
business day of the notice of potential ment, see the California Department for your carrier:
exposure. of Public Health memo: “Employer • Whether the employee was at a
As Labor Code Section 6409.6 (a) Questions about AB 685, California’s shared worksite or working remotely
(1) states: “Provide a written notice to New COVID-19 Law.” from home.
all employees, and the employers of • Notify your workers’ compensa- • Whether the employee thinks they
tion carrier. Beginning on September were exposed at work from another
17, 2020, and going until January 1, employee or from a family member,
2023, California employers are required friend, travel or social gathering.
California Chamber Officers to notify their workers’ compensation See Steps to Take: Page 9
Kailesh Karavadra
Chair
Gregory S. Bielli CalChamber-Sponsored Seminars/Trade Shows
First Vice Chair
Janet A. Liang More at www.calchamber.com/events. Amazon, Online. (202) 523-5725.
Second Vice Chair Labor and Employment 2022 Taiwan Trade Shows. Taiwan
Keeping Pace with Current COVID-19 External Trade Development Council.
Maryam S. Brown Workplace Standards. Cal Chamber. February 1–October 31, Online and
Third Vice Chair February 3, Online. (800) 331-8877. In-Person. +886-2-2725-5200.
Donna L. Lucas Leaves of Absence: Making Sense of 2022 Canada Consumer Oriented
Immediate Past Chair It All Virtual Seminar. CalChamber. Inbound Mission to Winter Fancy
Jennifer Barrera February 17–18, April 14–15, Online. Food. Western U.S. Agricultural Trade
President and Chief Executive Officer (800) 331-8877. Association (WUSATA). February
HR Boot Camp Virtual Seminar. 6–8, Las Vegas. (360) 693-3373
Alert (ISSN 0882-0929) is published weekly CalChamber. March 10–11, May 5–6, CleanTech Virtual Inbound Investment
during legislative session with exceptions by May 26–27, Online. (800) 331-8877. Mission. SelectUSA Tech. February
California Chamber of Commerce, 1215 K International Trade 14–18, Online. (212) 381-9633.
Street, Suite 1400, Sacramento, CA 95814-
3918. Subscription price is $50 paid through Expo Dubai 2021. Expo 2020 Dubai California Pavilion at Singapore Airshow.
membership dues. UAE. Through March 31, 2022, Governor’s Office of Business and
Send email address changes to alert@ Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (+971) Economic Development (GO-Biz)
calchamber.com. Publisher: Jennifer Barrera. 800 EXPO (3976). February 15–18. (213) 894-8725.
Executive Editor: Ann Amioka. Art Director: Neil Israel @ Cleantech Forum 2022. Trade Mission to Central America 2022.
Ishikawa. Capitol Correspondent: Sara Proffit.
Cleantech Group. January 24–Febru- U.S. Commercial Service. March
Permission granted to reprint articles if ary 11, Online. (415) 986-2701. 27–28, Guatemala. (800) 872-8723.
credit is given to the California Chamber of
Commerce Alert, citing original publication Maritime Transportation Data Initiative Cybersecurity Business Development
date of article, and reprint is emailed to Alert Hearings. Federal Maritime Commis- Mission to South America. U.S.
at address above. sion. February 1: Railroad Industry; Department of Commerce, Interna-
Email: alert@calchamber.com. February 8, Federal Partners; February tional Trade Administration. April 5–8,
Home page: www.calchamber.com. 15, Ocean Transportation Interme- Uruguay, Chile, Peru. (800) 872-8723.
diaries; February 22, UPS/FedEx/ See CalChamber-Sponsored: Page 9
WWW.CALCHAMBERALERT.COM
CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JANUARY 28, 2022 • PAGE 3
Finance Director Says Budget Windfall
Gives State Opportunity to Invest in Future
Data shows the state experienced a Budget Summary
steep V-shaped recovery and saw gains Below are highlights of Bosler’s
across all three big revenue streams: presentation; to view a video of her
personal income tax, sales tax and presentation, click here or visit www.
corporate tax. However, two significant calchamber.com/videos. A PowerPoint of
issues arose: inflation and supply chain the presentation is available here.
problems. • Business Tax Credits: Due to the
State economists are assuming that state’s economic surplus, some business
these issues will linger for the remain- tax credits will be restored a year earlier
der of this calendar year, but will resolve than expected. This year’s budget restores
State Finance Director Keely Martin Bosler themselves and return to pre-pandemic research and development credits and net
presents an overview of the Governor’s budget trends. operating loss credits, and proposes an
proposal for 2022–2023 at a CalChamber webi- Budget estimations also assume about additional $250 million per year for three
nar on January 12. $14 billion in additional infrastructure years for qualified companies headquar-
spending from the federal Infrastructure tered in California that are investing in
California’s revenues and economic Investment and Jobs Act, and project the research to mitigate climate change. The
conditions have continued to improve, creation of 75,000 jobs at the program’s budget also proposes direct investments in
enabling the state to address some of its peak in 2025. climate-related research and development
greatest threats, such as climate change, Bosler attributes the gains to the at the University of California system,
the COVID-19 pandemic, homeless- general fund to an improved economic including $185 million for applied
ness and crime, state Finance Director forecast, a stronger stock market, higher research, regional networks of climate-fo-
Keely Martin Bosler told business inflation and a greater share of wage cused technology incubators, and work-
leaders during a California Chamber of gains, but acknowledges that the state is force development and training hubs.
Commerce webinar on January 12. heavily dependent on income tax. Capital • Small Business:This year’s budget
The Department of Finance (DOF) is gains realizations were at a record level proposes an additional $500 million for
forecasting a $45.7 billion budget surplus in 2021, with $25 billion in revenue the Small Business COVID-19 Relief
in the coming year, and Bosler said it’s attributed to capital gains. Grant Program over several years and
anticipated that jobs in the state will Last year, the state was more reserved $150 million to support small businesses
return to pre-pandemic levels by the end in creating new spending obligations, previously waitlisted in prior rounds of
of this year. but the state is now in “a better place,” the relief program. The budget also allo-
after having paid off all of its budgetary
Budget Surplus debt accumulated over the last several
cates $3 billion over the next two years
to reduce the Unemployment Insurance
The recession brought on by the decades, the finance director said. Trust Fund debt owed to the federal
COVID-19 pandemic is unlike any other All these economic conditions have government. Another $45 million is
California has seen in its history, and given the state the opportunity to make proposed to aid the state’s hard-hit tour-
economists have had to throw away the “significant investments to continue ism industry.
“old playbook” and “think about what economic growth and strengthen • Workforce Training: Health care
new things are around the corner,” Bosler California’s future in a way that includes and education have been some of the
said. more Californians,” Bosler said. See Finance Director: Page 4
CalChamber Member Feedback
“The CalChamber has helped us chart a path to success in California, in large
part due to their intense focus on expanding the economic base in the state.”
Susan Savage
Chief Executive Officer
Sacramento River CatsWWW.CALCHAMBERALERT.COM
CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JANUARY 28, 2022 • PAGE 4
Job Killer Carryover Bills Die
Two job killer carry- any employee with family responsibili- employees up to 10 days of bereave-
over bills expanding ties. This essentially would have included ment leave upon the death of a spouse,
mandates on employ- a new, uncapped protected leave for child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grand-
ers died in the Assem- employees to request time off and exposed child or domestic partner, regardless of
bly fiscal committee employers to costly litigation under the how long the employee had worked for
this month. Fair Employment and Housing Act. the employer. The bill also would have
Failing to move out of If passed, AB 1119 could have opened up new avenues for litigation
the Assembly Appropriations Committee enabled an employee to challenge any against California employers by estab-
were AB 1119 (Wicks; D-Oakland), adverse employment action as being lishing a brand-new private right of action
expanding employers’ duty to accom- related to the employee’s family responsi- — in addition to liability under the Private
modate employees, and AB 95 (Low; bilities, rather than an actual violation of Attorneys General Act (PAGA) and
D-Campbell), a burdensome new employment policies. administrative enforcement through the
bereavement leave mandate. AB 95 would have imposed a signif- Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.
AB 1119 would have imposed new icant new burden on employers of every Staff Contact: Ashley Hoffman
burdens on employers to accommodate size by mandating that they provide
Newest Job Killer Bill Will Worsen Housing Crisis
From Page 1 agencies from approving projects with mented and provided a chance to work
1001 offers California more problems — significant environmental effects to any before upending CEQA.
protracted ligation and project delays that community, including disadvantaged
will limit home building and dispropor- ones, if there are any feasible alterna- Voter Concern
tionally hurt California’s working fami- tives or mitigation measures that would Cost of living and rising home prices
lies,” said Regele. substantially lessen or avoid those effects. are huge issues for California voters. In
California recently has enacted a a recent CalChamber poll, when voters
Coalition Opposition number of other laws specific to envi- were asked if another state offered a
The CalChamber and a large coalition ronmental justice, including laws direct- greater opportunity for homeownership
of allied groups argue that AB 1001 is ing funding to environmental justice than California, a majority of nonhome-
unnecessary and the wrong policy mech- communities, creating a community air owners answered “yes.”
anism because the goals of the bill are quality protection program, and most More than two-thirds of renters for
already addressed in existing law and recently requiring all cities and counties whom home ownership is a high priority
CEQA abuse by citizen enforcers already to adopt a new environmental justice reported that they would move if another
exploits the statute to delay or block criti- land use element in their comprehensive, state offered a greater opportunity for
cally needed housing. long-term general plans. The Legislature homeownership than California.
Currently, CEQA prohibits lead should allow these policies to be imple- Staff Contact: Adam Regele
Finance Director: Budget Windfall Enables State to Invest in Future
From Page 3 continues to phase out oil production. • COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave:
areas most affected by the labor shortages • Infrastructure: Almost $20 billion Bosler said that Governor Gavin Newsom
brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, is being allocated to infrastructure proj- is calling for a new COVID-19 supple-
Bosler said. To help address this problem, ects, including $9.1 billion for high speed mental paid sick leave (SPSL) program.
the Governor is proposing $1.7 billion rail, regional transit and rail, bike and The details of the new program are not
to help train and recruit new teachers, pedestrian safety, and climate adaptation. yet known, but it will likely differ from
health care and human services work- Another $1.2 billion is proposed for the the supplemental paid sick leave adopted
ers. Another $215 million in funding is movements of goods/ports, with $110 in 2021.
proposed toward the Oil and Gas Well million allocated to workforce training The Governor’s budget summary
Capping Initiative, with $50 million and $70 million to license more truck is available at https://ebudget.ca.gov/
going toward a pilot program to help drivers and data improvements at the FullBudgetSummary.pdf.
retrain oil and gas workers as the state ports.Successes help 2021 Major Victories
employers, jobs
California Promise: Opportunity for All
and the economy The California Chamber of Commerce is the voice of California businesses of all sizes, expert
at promoting pro-job policies and advising employers on the practical impact of state laws and
regulations in the workplace. We track close to 3,000 legislative proposals each year, speaking
CAPITOL WATCHDOG up when a bill will hurt employers and the economy, and working to win support for legislation
Each year, the CalChamber that will help the jobs climate. Policymakers listen to CalChamber policy advocates, knowing
tracks close to 3,000 that we represent nearly 14,000 member businesses that together employ a fourth of the state’s
“The CalChamber’s
legislative creativity,
proposals on private workforce and reflect the diversity of the California business community.
dedication and solid working
behalf of member
Strengthening our message are the thousands of individuals who use our web-based center,
businesses. in Sacramento are
relationships www.impact-california.com, to express their views to their elected representatives.
the cornerstones of its success Each year, website visitors use the center to send numerous letters about state, federal and
IMPACT CALIFORNIA
at advocating for all sectors of international issues affecting business operations.
By speaking out, employers
the
can economy and regions
make a difference. See of Read on to learn how CalChamber advocacy in 2021 helped employers. See the Advocacy
the
hot state.”
issues at Return on Investment sheet for estimates of employer savings on some of these victories.
www.impact-california.com.
Donna L. Lucas
President and Chief Executive Officer Stopping 24 of 25 Job Killer Bills
Lucas Public Affairs
ABOUT US CalChamber policy advocates, backed by other business groups, pro-jobs legislators and the
2021 CalChamber Chair
CalChamber is the largest Governor’s veto, stopped all but one of the 25 job killer bills identified this year from becoming
broad-based business law as originally proposed. Below is a sampling of job killers stopped or amended before they
advocate, working at the passed the Legislature. More information at www.calchamber.com/jobkillers.
state and federal levels to • New leave mandates. Stopped or amended expansion of leaves of absence opening new
influence government avenues for litigation against employers (AB 95, AB 995 AB 1041).
actions affecting all • Tax increases. Blocked massive tax increase on all forms of personal property or wealth
California business. As a ACA 8, AB 310).
not-for-profit, we leverage • Housing development bans. Stopped proposals removing local land use authority over
our front-line knowledge of residential or commercial development (AB 1295, SB 55, SB 499).
laws and regulations to • Higher energy costs. Defeated proposal eliminating thousands of high-paying California
provide affordable and jobs and requiring the state to import even more foreign oil by shutting down about 95% of
easy-to-use compliance oil and gas production in California (SB 467).
products and services. • Workers’ compensation. Amended proposal that would have imposed millions of dollars of
costs on workers’ compensation system and reduced workers’ access to quality care (AB 1465).
Progress on Keeping Goods Moving
Practical recommendations for easing port congestion reflected in Governor’s actions and state/
local agency efforts to open bottlenecks in supply chain, including weight limit increases for
trucks that help streamline movement of containers from cargo ships; land use variances and
permit streamlining that provide additional storage space for containers.
Averting Costly Litigation
Criminal liability for good faith mistakes amended; onerous return to work mandate amended
and vetoed; public shaming of employers stopped; uncapped leave mandate stopped;
significant expansion of family leave and paid sick leave amended and stopped; costly benefits
mandate stopped (AB 1003, AB 1074, AB 1192, AB 1119, AB 1041, AB 1179).Helping Businesses Keep Track of Continuing Flood of Supporting Solvency of Unemployment Insurance
COVID-19 Information System
Distributed updates on the numerous federal, state and local Unemployment insurance (UI) fraud deterrent and requirement
pronouncements on pandemic-related relief and requirements via for Employment Development Department to prepare for future
all communication channels and presented the feeds in one web recessions signed; bill reducing penalties for UI fraud stopped (AB
location (Advocacy website, HRWatchdog and Capitol Insider 110, SB 390, AB 548).
blogs, The Workplace podcast, HRCalifornia Extra, CalChamber
Alert – www.calchamber.com/coronavirus). Maintaining Packaging Options for Businesses and
Consumers
Clarification and Cleanup of COVID-19, Public Health Stopped ban on critical packaging materials that could have led
Notices to creation of more waste due to spoilage/breakage and additional
• Led coalition that won approval of proposal improving last greenhouse gas emissions from heavier packaging (AB 1371).
year’s AB 685, which requires notice of COVID-19 cases in the
workplace, by eliminating duplicative obligations for businesses Nixing Unnecessary Product Labeling and Chemical
in certain industries, matching them to corresponding federal Content Requirements
guidelines, and making other favorable improvements (AB 654). • Co-led coalition that negotiated amendments to narrow proposal
• Sponsored signed legislation requiring publication of local that originally circumvented Safer Consumer Products program
public health orders and creation of an email list to ensure by proposing to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
stakeholders are kept apprised of any changes (SB 336). chemicals far beyond the stated intent of banning PFAS in
• Led coalition giving the employer perspective and practical juvenile products, including in electronics and medical devices,
suggestions as the California Division of Occupational Safety with substantial unintended consequences (AB 652).
and Health (Cal/OSHA) developed emergency temporary • Co-led coalition that pushed for amendments to bill that
standards for preventing COVID-19 in the workplace. originally would have banned intentionally adding any class
of PFAS in foodware products by January 1, 2023, and would
Alleviating Upward Pressure on Health Care Costs have required new label for all cookware products warning
Stalled costly, government-run health care; secured veto of customers of health and environmental risks associated with
proposal increasing prescription drug costs; stopped mandatory a product containing any chemical on the Department of Toxic
bonuses for health care workers, restrictions on personal health Substances Control list of thousands of chemicals, with no
devices and health care mandate on chronic diseases (AB 1400, thresholds or other scientific basis for establishing when a
SB 524, AB 650, AB 1252, AB 1436, SB 568). warning is appropriate. Author amendments made before bill
was signed into law included eliminating the warning label and
Protecting Legitimate Uses of Technology
1-800-number requirements, as well as technical amendments
• Stopped automated decision systems assessment mandate
narrowing the scope of products covered (AB 1200).
for public contracts, restrictions on personal health devices,
unworkable restrictions on smart speakers and limits on Easing Some Burdens on Small Business
contact tracing (AB 13, AB 1252, AB 1436, AB 1262, AB 814). • Sponsored new law establishing a more practical, streamlined
• Secured amendments providing more flexibility for legitimate procedure for implementing the small employer family leave
identity protection and fraud prevention when original proposal mediation program established in 2020 (AB 1033).
prohibited access and use of information obtained pursuant to • Supported license renewal fee relief for restaurants, bars,
a crime, regardless of whether access/use was for a legitimate barbers and cosmetologists (SB 94, AB 83).
purpose (AB 1391). • Backed $2.6 billion grant program to provide struggling small
businesses a lifeline to help them recover from pandemic-
Preserving Telehealth Options
induced shutdowns and regulations (SB 87).
Secured amendments protecting patient telehealth options in
legislation that originally disrupted the practice (AB 457).
2021 MAJOR VICTORIESWWW.CALCHAMBERALERT.COM
CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JANUARY 28, 2022 • PAGE 7
Partnership Working to Improve Conditions,
Promote Economy in Central America
• Financial inclusion. Improve access to discuss strategy and objectives for
to banking services, while prioritizing addressing the root causes of migration
women and vulnerable communities. in Central America. Additionally, partic-
• Digital access. Expand internet ipants had the opportunity to learn how
access with a focus on rural communities. they can join the Call to Action.
• Climate resilience. Shift agricul- Speakers included:
tural practices to resilience, sustainability, • Myron Brilliant, executive vice
and yield president and head of the International
• Health. Increase primary access Affairs Division, U.S. Chamber of
with a focus on women, youth, and indig- Commerce. Brilliant emphasized that
enous populations. active participation and leadership from
• Education. Implement a workforce the U.S. private sector, the advance-
Promoting economic opportunity in training program to create job readiness. ment of regional trade agreements like
northern Central America to address the • Gender equity. Translate private-sec- the U.S.-Dominican Republic/Central
root causes of migration is the focus tor commitments and public-sector America Free Trade Agreement (US-DR-
of the Partnership for Central America backing into sustainable change for over CAFTA), and adherence to the rule of
(PCA), an independent, nongovernmental 500,000 women, including their families, law would increase investments and pros-
organization. in the Northern Triangle. perity in the region.
Since launching in May 2021, the Convene • Ambassador Brian Nichols, assistant
PCA has supported the Call to Action The partnership convenes public secretary for the Western Hemisphere, U.S.
for Central America announced by Vice forums and facilitates discussions on Department of State, who outlined U.S.
President Kamala Harris and has worked challenges, trends, and progress toward strategic priorities in Central America.
with businesses and social enterprises to aspired social impact goals to increase • Jonathan Fantini Porter, executive
make new, significant commitments to visibility and engagement on shared director, Partnership for Central America,
the economic health of the region. objectives. who described how the PCA is strength-
In support of the Call to Action, ening strategic collaborations across
the PCA works closely with the U.S. Partnership for Central America the public and private sectors to spur
Department of State. The initiative The partnership is a 501(c)(3) economic growth across northern Central
sponsored by the U.S. Vice President nonprofit organization that conducts America.
is to foster economic development in outreach and engagement with companies • Vice President Harris gave the
the three Central American countries of and organizations in support of the Vice keynote address and call to action. She
Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. President’s Call to Action. announced $540 million in private invest-
The PCA is a coalition of private As an independent nonprofit, the part- ments in Central America as a part of the
sector organizations mobilizing long-term nership also works with companies and administration’s plan to reduce migra-
investments and coordinating critical institutions that want to collaborate to tion from the area by improving local
programs to advance economic opportu- develop and implement solutions to the conditions.
nity and address urgent climate, educa- economic, social and governance chal-
tion and health challenges in Central lenges in Central America, and to align US-DR-CAFTA
America. with efforts of government and private President George W. Bush signed the
sector partners in the United States and CalChamber-supported US-DR-CAFTA
Support for Private Sector across the Central American region. on August 2, 2005, giving final U.S.
The partnership supports private approval of the agreement.
sector entities through key actions: Call to Action The United States and the six
Mobilize Investments On December 13, 2021 the U.S. DR-CAFTA countries share roughly
The partnership helps organizations Chamber of Commerce, in partnership $50.98 billion in total (two-way) trade in
identify strategic growth opportunities with the U.S. Department of State, and goods. U.S. goods exports to DR-CAFTA
and navigate a path to invest in Central in collaboration with the Partnership for totaled $27.25 billion in 2020. Leading
America in support of both business Central America and the Office of the U.S. exports include petroleum, food
growth strategies and environmen- Vice President, hosted a virtual forum manufactures, computer and electronic
tal, social and governance investment that brought together the White House, products, and chemicals.
strategies. officials from the principal agencies Leading U.S. imports include
Coordinate Public-Private Partnership involved in the U.S. government’s Call apparel products, agricultural products,
The PCA facilitates public-private to Action, the Partnership for Central manufactured commodities, and food
partnerships across six program areas to America, and business leaders (including manufactures.
maximize business and social impact: the California Chamber of Commerce) See Partnership: Page 8WWW.CALCHAMBERALERT.COM
CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JANUARY 28, 2022 • PAGE 8
Los Angeles to Host Summit of Americas
President Joe Biden the national and regional level to address The theme of the 2018 summit
has announced Los continuing and new challenges faced in was “Democratic Governance against
Angeles as the host the Americas. The Summit is held every Corruption.” Leaders vowed to confront
city for the Ninth three years. The Eighth Summit of the systemic corruption at a time when graft
Summit of the Americas was held on April 13 and 14, scandals plague many of the governments
Americas, sched- 2018 in Lima, Peru. that make up the Americas.
uled for June 6–10, The U.S.-hosted Ninth Summit of the Sixteen of the 33 nations gathered
with a focus on “Building Americas originally was scheduled for at the 2018 summit issued a statement
a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable the second half of 2021, but postponed to on the sidelines of the event calling on
Future” for the Western Hemisphere. 2022 due to COVID-19. This will be the Venezuela to hold free and transparent
The Summit of the Americas is the first time the United States has hosted the elections as well as allow international
only hemisphere-wide convening of lead- Summit since the inaugural meeting in aid. Vice President Pence gave remarks at
ers from the countries of North, South, Miami in 1994. the summit.
and Central America and the Caribbean.
Per the White House release, working History of Summit Ninth Summit
with the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles In 1994, President Bill Clinton As many as 10,000 participants,
Mayor Eric Garcetti, and California brought together 34 democratically including support staff, security, media,
Governor Gavin Newsom, the United elected leaders in Miami for the first and businesspersons, may attend the
States looks forward to convening lead- Summit of the Americas. President Ninth Summit in Los Angeles. The U.S.
ers and stakeholders across the hemi- Clinton was unequivocal about the government will organize official and
sphere to advance a shared commitment summit’s mission. He called on lead- informal events, bilateral meetings, and
to economic prosperity, security, human ers from across the region to open new media events.
rights, and dignity. markets and to create new free trade Expected attendance will include the
It is expected there will be a high- zones, to strengthen the movement President of the United States and up to
lighted role for Vice President Kamala toward democracy, and to improve the 50 chiefs of state, heads of government,
Harris, a former California senator. quality of life for all our people. and high-level participants from the
Specific expected themes include He said, “If we’re successful, the governments of the Americas, regional
pandemic control, a green recovery and summit will lead to more jobs, opportu- and global international organizations,
managing migration. nity and prosperity for our children and and other special guests. Each summit
The Summits of the Americas are for generations to come.” delegation will likely consist of cabinet
institutionalized gatherings of heads of President Donald Trump was unable to ministers, senior advisers, security offi-
state and government of the Western attend the 2018 Summit of the Americas cers, and members of the foreign media.
Hemisphere where leaders discuss in Lima as planned as he had to tend to Staff Contact: Susanne T. Stirling
common policy issues, affirm shared other international matters. Vice President
values and commit to concerted actions at Mike Pence attended in Trump’s place.
Partnership Working to Improve Conditions in Central America
From Page 7 tically supports free trade worldwide, to stronger economies, the rule of law,
The United States is the main supplier expansion of international trade and sustainable development, and more
of goods and services to DR-CAFTA investment, fair and equitable market accountable institutions of governance,
economies. More than 40% of total goods access for California products abroad and complementing ongoing domestic, bilat-
exports to Central America come from elimination of disincentives that impede eral, and multilateral efforts in a region.
the United States. the international competitiveness of The US-DR-CAFTA is an element
California exports to the DR-CAFTA California business. of the U.S. strategy to liberalize trade
market topped $1.82 billion in 2020. Multilateral, sectoral and regional through multilateral, regional and bilat-
California imported more than $2.28 trade agreements ensure that the United eral initiatives. The US-DR-CAFTA
billion from DR-CAFTA in 2020. States may continue to gain access to increases momentum toward lowering
world markets, resulting in an improved trade barriers and sets a positive example
CalChamber Position economy and additional employment of for other small economies in the Western
The California Chamber, in keeping Americans. Hemisphere.
with long-standing policy, enthusias- Free trade agreements contribute Staff Contact: Susanne T. StirlingWWW.CALCHAMBERALERT.COM
CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JANUARY 28, 2022 • PAGE 9
Confused About COVID Workplace Standards? This Webinar Is for You
Since the onset • The current state of the Cal/OSHA Webinar Set for February 3
of the global emergency temporary standards, includ- The “Keeping Pace with Current
COVID-19 ing the latest revisions; COVID-19 Workplace Standards” webi-
pandemic, • California Department of Public nar will be held on Thursday, February
employers Health mandates and guidelines; 3, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (PT).
have had the • The current state of government To register, visit the CalChamber
additional vaccine mandates; Store.
task of becoming experts on prevention • Guidance related to an employer-ini- Attendees will be able to submit ques-
and mitigation strategies for infectious tiated vaccine mandate; and tions during the webinar. Slides and a
diseases — on top of operating their • Any other related government guide- recording of the live event will be avail-
businesses. lines that impact the workplace. able to registered attendees.
An aspect of an employer’s duty to The CalChamber is uniquely posi- This webinar is created for human
prevent COVID-19 infections in the tioned on the front lines of California’s resources professionals, office managers,
workplace is keeping up-to-date on legislative process and can be trusted to business owners or anyone responsible
government requirements, such as work- provide accurate details about not only for hiring and staffing. The course is
place safety rules and vaccine mandates. employment laws and their require- approved for 1.5 California recertifica-
On February 3, the California ments, but also how they will affect your tion credits toward PHR, SPHR, GPHR,
Chamber of Commerce is holding a business. APHR and PHR/CA through the HR
90-minute webinar with employment law Certification Institute (HRCI); and is
experts who will walk through: approved for 1.5 MCLE credit hours.
Steps to Take When Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
From Page 2 the California Division of Occupational If you have questions about quaran-
• If the employee has been around Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). tine times, masks or testing, refer to your
anyone outside of work who is sick or In November 2020, Cal/OSHA put out County Public Health Department and
tested positive, and whether the person an emergency regulation requiring that all also Cal/OSHA.
who is sick or tested positive is under employers create and maintain a COVID- For general questions, you may call
any isolation or quarantine order from a 19 Prevention Plan. A template for that the CalChamber Labor Law Helpline.
doctor. plan can be obtained from Cal/OSHA’s For specific questions about your situ-
The workers’ compensation carrier website at https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/ ation and what you should do, contact
will then investigate whether the employ- dosh_publications/CPP.doc. your attorney.
ee’s exposure was work-related. In addition, Cal OSHA has posted The CalChamber posts updates from
• View and follow the most current frequently asked questions (FAQs) inter- its blogs, podcasts and government
information on the County Public preting its regulations. The COVID- sources, and keeps a list of county public
Health Department website in the 19 Emergency Temporary Standards health department websites at www.
county where the work is performed. Frequently Asked Questions were last calchamber.com/coronavirus.
COVID information that is posted updated on January 24, 2022, and can be
includes requirements for masks, social found at https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/ Column based on questions asked by callers
distancing, isolation and quarantine coronavirus/COVID19FAQs.html. on the Labor Law Helpline, a service to Cali-
times, and when an employee can report fornia Chamber of Commerce preferred and
back to work. It is important to view More Information executive members. For expert explanations
and follow the most current information If you have questions about reporting of labor laws and Cal/OSHA regulations, not
concerning isolation or quarantine times positive tests for workers’ compensation legal counsel for specific situations, call (800)
for an employee who has tested positive. purposes, contact your workers’ compen- 348-2262 or submit your question at www.
• View and follow the most current sation carrier. hrcalifornia.com.
COVID information on the website of
CalChamber-Sponsored Seminars/Trade Shows
From Page 2 April 28–30, Sacramento. (916) 15–20. (800) 872-8723.
30th Annual Africa and Diaspora Interna- 278-6282. Concrete Show South East Asia 2022.
tional Conference. Center for African Trade Mission to South America. U.S. MEREBO GmbH Messe International.
Peace and Conflict Resolution, Cali- Department of Commerce, Interna- September 14–17, Jakarta, Indonesia.
fornia State University, Sacramento. tional Trade Administration. May 49-40-399 99 05-15.WWW.CALCHAMBERALERT.COM
CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JANUARY 28, 2022 • PAGE 10
CalChamber-Led Coalition Fights Single-Payer Health Care Proposals
From Page 1 growing in or relocating to California. Budget Proposal
has said that the taxes needed to fund If ACA 11 is enacted, California’s
Currently, about 94% of Californians
the single-payer health care system as top personal income tax rate for indi-
have health care coverage in some
outlined in ACA 11 will have a signif- viduals and sole proprietors — already
fashion. A majority of the uninsured
icant impact on nearly all California the highest in the country — would
population is comprised of undocu-
employers. According to the Tax increase by 2.5%. Additionally, ACA 11
mented individuals. Governor Gavin
Foundation, ACA 11 would increase would implement a payroll tax of 1% of
Newsom’s 2022–2023 budget proposal
taxes by $12,250 per household annually. the aggregate amount of wages or other
addresses this very issue and would make
compensation paid by the employer to
Biggest Tax Hike in History resident employees in excess of $49,900,
California the first state to offer health
care coverage for all income-eligible resi-
The proposals outlined in AB 1400 and a gross receipts tax of 2.3% on busi-
dents regardless of immigration status.
and ACA 11 would represent the biggest nesses with more than $2 million in gross
AB 1400 will need to pass the
tax increase in state history, punishing revenues.
Assembly by January 31 to remain alive.
Californians as a whole by increasing Proponents of the measure recently
The companion constitutional amend-
personal income taxes, payroll taxes, and indicated that the tax increases would
ment, ACA 11, has not yet been brought
gross receipts taxes. likely generate $160 billion–$170 billion
forward for a vote.
This enormous tax increase would annually. Prior versions of similar
See the coalition letter to the
come at a time when California is experi- single-payer proposals were estimated
Assembly here.
encing a $31 billion surplus, which pales to cost more than $400 billion a year,
Staff Contact: Preston Young
in comparison to the annual expenditures including existing state and federal tax
that a government-run health system contributions.
demands. This type of tax increase would California voters have twice rejected a
likely lead to significant layoffs or relo- government-run health care system at the
cations, discouraging companies from ballot box — in 1994 and 2004.
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