January 27, 2008

Long Beach Chamber Supports Propositions 94 – 97

Propositions Give Our State Over $9 Billion – Without Raising Taxes

The Long Beach Chamber Board of Directors voted to support Propositions 94 through 97, the Indian Gaming Initiatives. These propositions will appear on the February 5th statewide ballot.
 

Click here for more on Propositions 94 - 97.

“The Chamber feels that the compacts were negotiated in good faith and in the current state of California’s budget, the additional revenues would help offset potential tax and fee hikes,” stated Matt Kinley, Chairman of the Long Beach Chamber Board of Directors. “With the money being allocated to the state’s General Fund, the Chamber feels that the extra funding can be applied to essential services like public safety and education,” continued Kinley

The Indian Gaming Initiatives are agreements negotiated by Governor Schwarzenegger, the State Legislature and the following four Indian tribes Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, and Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.

These new agreement would require the four tribes to pay over $200 million the first year with revenues increasing significantly in future years. Over the next two decades, the state can expect over $9 billion in revenues.
 

December 26, 2007

Long Beach Chamber Positions on February 2008 Statewide Propositions

The Long Beach Chamber took a position on the February 2008 statewide propositions going before the voters on February 5, 2008. Each of the propositions has a direct impact on the Long Beach business community and is the reason why the Chamber plays an active role in these issues.

“It is vital that our business community stay on top of the 2008 propositions,” stated Randy Gordon, President and CEO of the Long Beach Chamber. “Businesses can continue to count on the Chamber as we move forward with our positions on more propositions to come in 2008,” Gordon continued.

The Chamber will consider its positions on Propositions 94 through 97 at its January 2008 Government Affairs Council meeting.

February 5, 2008 Primary Election Ballot Propositions:

Proposition 91 - Transportation Funding

Long Beach Chamber Position: NO POSITION

This ballot measure would prohibit the use of funds that are earmarked for transportation to be used for anything else other than transportation related issues after July 2008.  This measure eliminates General Fund borrowing of specified transportation funds, except for cash-flow purposes.  Those require repayment within 30 days of adoption of budget which the current law allows borrowing for three years when the Governor declares the transfer would cause significant negative fiscal impact on governmental functions.  The legislature would then enact authorizing statute.

Proposition 92 - Community Colleges Funding and Governance

Long Beach Chamber Position: SUPPORT

This measure establishes in the California State Constitution a system of independent community college districts and a statewide Board of Governors.  The system, along with the college districts and statewide Board of Governors would oversee the community college system.  The proposition would also set community college fees at $15 per unit per semester and would limit fee increases.

Proposition 93 - Limits on Legislator's Terms in Office

Long Beach Chamber Position: SUPPORT

Prop 93 would reduce the total amount of time a person may serve in the state legislature from 14 years to 12 years.  This would allow an individual to serve a total of 12 years either in the Assembly, the Senate, or a combination of both.  The proposition provides a transition period to allow current members to serve a total of 12 consecutive years in the house in which they are currently serving, regardless of any prior service in another house.