Issues

California is not only the largest state in the nation in terms of its population size and diversity, it is also the eighth-largest economy in the world. Due to these and many other contributing factors, it thus continues to be a driving force in terms of the issues before the California Legislature and its myriad state agencies. It has been often said that California is the genisis for leading issues that in-turn emanate to other states, the federal government and ultimately throughout the world. For these reasons it is important to remember this “pearl of wisdom” about the need for strong representation in Sacramento:

If you are not at the table, you are on the menu!

Important Issues (thus far) in 2014:

The deadline for new bill introductions was Friday, February 21st. The total number of new bills introduced this year was 2016, combined with the carryovers from last year that are still alive and moving through the process brings the total to 3,060 bills. In terms of bills being tracked on behalf of clients, for construction we are tracking 180 bills; for workers’ compensation we are tracking 23 bills; and, for small business the number is 51.

Following are some highlights of issues we are working on this session:

Construction

  • Sponsoring a Bill to Overturn the Martin Brothers’ Decision
  • Infrastructure – Addressing Funding for Retrofitting  & Building of New Facilities
  • CEQA Reform
  • Water Supply and Infrastructure
  • Employer/Employee Issues
  • Apprenticeship
  • Public Works
  • Prevailing Wage
  • Prompt Payment (including progress and retentions)
  • Land Use
  • Global Warming
  • Transportation
  • Waste Water – Retrofitting & New Facilities
  • Alternative Energy
  • Career Technical Education
  • Workers’ Compensation

Agencies

  • California Air Resources Board
  • CAL OSHA
  • Contractors’ License Board
  • Cal Trans
  • Department Of Industrial Relations

Small and Disabled Veteran Businesses

  • Debarment Capability for Department of General Services
  • Prison Industries Authority – Breaking their contract stronghold
  • Employer/Employee Issues
  • Small and Disabled Veteran Business Protection and Growth Encouragement
  • Small and Disabled Veteran Business Preferences

Agencies

  • Department of General Services
  • Prison Industries Authority
  • Department of Corrections

Workers’ Compensation

  • Expansion of Compensable Injuries
  • Extension of Death Benefit Time Clock
  • Utilization Review
  • Temporary Disability Benefits
  • Permanent Disability Benefits
  • Self-Insured Groups