Long Beach Chamber Statement on Councilmember Robert Garcia’s Decision to Seek Committee Review of Equal Benefits Ordinance

Randy Gordon, President and CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce released the following statement today regarding Councilmember Robert Garcia’s decision to seek City Council committee review of the Equal Benefits Ordinance tonight at the City Council meeting:

“On July 8, 2009, the Chamber released the following statement clearly outlining our position on Councilmember Robert Garcia's proposed Equal Benefits Ordinance:

‘The Chamber supports Councilmember Robert Garcia's aggressive action relative to his beliefs so early in his term. However, we understand that an EBO is a trend in many cities with wide support and also has the needed support of Long Beach City Council to pass. The Chamber likewise understands that business is simply unable to sustain increased governmental expense requirements in the current recessionary environment. Therefore, the Chamber will remain neutral and will not take a position on Councilmember Garcia's Equal Benefits Ordinance.’

Today, after many conversations with our business community, elected officials and Councilmember Garcia, the Chamber is in full support of the Councilmember’s decision to seek further review of this issue by introducing it in the Economic Development Committee of the Long Beach City Council. This process allows the Chamber and other interested stakeholders more time to be a part of the process of the EBO’s development.

The Chamber reserves its right to take a position on the final draft of the EBO once it is brought back to City Council for consideration.”

Long Beach Chamber Releases Statement on Councilmember Robert Garcia Proposed Equal Benefits Ordinance

Randy Gordon, President and CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce released the following statement today regarding Councilmember Robert Garcia’s proposed Equal Benefits Ordinance (EBO) to be considered at the July 14, 2009 Long Beach City Council meeting:

"The Chamber supports Councilmember Robert Garcia's aggressive action relative to his beliefs so early in his term. However, we understand that an EBO is a trend in many cities with wide support and also has the needed support of Long Beach City Council to pass. The Chamber likewise understands that business is simply unable to sustain increased governmental expense requirements in the current recessionary environment. Therefore, the Chamber will remain neutral and will not take a position on Councilmember Garcia's Equal Benefits Ordinance."