Ontario Chamber Fights For Business At State Capitol

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce led a delegation of business leaders to Sacramento May 19, 2008 to meet with key elected officials on important issues impacting the Ontario business community. The Chamber also met with members of the Governor’s staff to discuss critical business issues pending in the State Legislature.

“Our lobbying effort in Sacramento is part of our continuing effort to effectively represent the interests of Ontario business with government,” stated Jennifer Resch-Silvestri, Chairwoman of the Ontario Chamber Board of Directors. “Informing our elected official on issues that this Chamber supports and opposes and finding ways to improve our local economy is our top priority,” continued Resch-Silvestri.

Last year, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors created the Government Affairs Council (GAC) and authorized it to act on behalf of the Board of Directors to approve any public policy positions that align with the Chamber’s Policy Platform. The GAC determined the following issues that were discussed with Sacramento officials throughout the day-long trip:

Governor’s Budget Stabilization Act

The Ontario Chamber supports the concept of a state budget savings account or “rainy day fund” to protect the state from future budget deficits. However, the Chamber reserves its right to take a position on a specific legislative proposal once introduced in the State Legislature.

SB 1539 (Calderon) Meal Periods

The Ontario Chamber supports SB 1539 that will provide clarity and guidance when complying and enforcing employee meal periods (meal breaks). The proposed law is a comprehensive solution that serves employers and employees regardless of the size or union status.

AB 3025 (Lieber) Polystyrene Packaging

The Ontario Chamber opposes AB 3025 because it would prohibit a business from selling expanded loose fill packaging (commonly referred to as “packaging peanuts”). This proposed law fails to recognize the resource efficiency and environmental benefits of the loss fill packaging material. This could ultimately impact multiple businesses that ship goods and materials as a main component of their business.

“We look forward to our elected officials taking the lead on these three important issues to ensure that our regional business community remains prosperous,” stated Mark Smiley, President/CEO of the Ontario Chamber. “Our businesses can count on the Ontario Chamber to make sure their voices are heard in Sacramento,” Smiley continued.

For more information on the Ontario Chamber’s efforts in Sacramento, log on to: www.OntarioAdvocacy.biz