Our Objective
Our Government Affairs Committee is dedicated to advocating for the interests and needs of small businesses through informed discussion, strategic analysis, and proactive engagement with political issues. Committed to fostering an environment conducive to the growth and prosperity of small enterprises, we seek to influence policies that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic empowerment. By facilitating dialogue between policymakers and small business stakeholders, we strive to shape legislation and regulations that foster a fair, competitive, and supportive business ecosystem. Through our collaborative efforts, we aim to be a catalyst for positive change, amplifying the voice of small businesses in the political arena and driving impactful outcomes for the benefit of our communities and economy.
UCC Leadership Voice Business Concerns in Capitol
"On Wed. May 8, David Phelps (Phelps Public Affairs), Co-Chair of the United Chamber's Government Affairs Committee, and UCC Boardmember Tom Ross (Tekwerks) traveled to Sacramento on a two-day joint advocacy trip with other Valley business groups to meet with various legislators, including State Senators Ben Allen, Steven Bradford, Josh Newman, and Scott Wilk, as well as Assemblymembers Juan Alanis (center right), James Gallagher (top center), Pilar Schiavo, and Tri Ta (below center). We also had meetings with the staff of several other Senators and Assemblymembers."
During the advocacy trip, the delegation discussed their support for various initiatives, including measures to mitigate organized retail crime throughout the state, and extending the deadline for acute care hospitals to comply with seismic safety standards. The Delegation also voiced their opposition to establishing a statewide single-payer healthcare system, creating restrictive ordinances to regulate autonomous vehicle (AV) services, and implementing harmful updates to the Employment Training Panel (ETP).
The Delegation also attended the CalChamber's 2024 Capitol Summit & Host Breakfast, which offered attendees an opportunity to hear from policy makers on solutions to navigating our evolving policy environment. Guests included CalChamber Chair Greg Bielli, Assembly Speaker Emeritus Willie Brown, and Governor Gavin Newsom.
During the advocacy trip, the delegation discussed their support for various initiatives, including measures to mitigate organized retail crime throughout the state, and extending the deadline for acute care hospitals to comply with seismic safety standards. The Delegation also voiced their opposition to establishing a statewide single-payer healthcare system, creating restrictive ordinances to regulate autonomous vehicle (AV) services, and implementing harmful updates to the Employment Training Panel (ETP).
The Delegation also attended the CalChamber's 2024 Capitol Summit & Host Breakfast, which offered attendees an opportunity to hear from policy makers on solutions to navigating our evolving policy environment. Guests included CalChamber Chair Greg Bielli, Assembly Speaker Emeritus Willie Brown, and Governor Gavin Newsom.
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Past Government Affairs Meetings
February 12At the February meeting, the following was discussed: business owner/employee legal relationship, insurance, rodeo ban, gender-affirming care. Reports were also provided by state, federal, county and city representatives on topics such as social security tax, property tax, city issues and more.
Meeting Package Here |
Guest Speaker
Alex Torres
Policy Advisor at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck |
March 18At the March meeting, the following was discussed: Metro Van Nuys Blvd rail line and other metro projects, Assemblymember bills on unlawful employment practices, Revenue and Taxation Code, exclusion of employees with COVID-19 active cases, homelessness, Legacy Program as well as reports from MWD and airports and more.
Meeting Package Here |
Guest Speaker
Jesse Leon
Construction Mitigation Team Manager for Metro |
April 15At the April meeting, the following was discussed: "California Fair Housing", Wages, Mortgage Protection, Wild Fire Exemption, Cal State Study, Sex Education Transparency, Parents Advisory Committee, increase certification for Veterans, Al Fresco Dining Permits, Digital Billboards and more.
Meeting Package Here |
Guest Speaker
Joshua Heller
JSQ Group |
May 20At our May Government Affairs Meeting we were privileged to have Senator Henry Stern and Senator Scott Wilk in attendance. Among issues, the following was discussed: digital signatures and electronic notaries during the COVID-19 pandemic, using certified notaries and title insurance to protect against fraud and dangers of wire money transfers. taxes on fossil fuels and digital advertising, unemployment benefits for striking employees, and environmental amendments, self-checkout stations and retail crime.
Meeting Package Here |
Guest Speakers
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June 17 |
Guest Speaker
Scott Wilk
State Senator |
August 19
At the United Chambers of Commerce Government Affairs Meeting on August 19th, the committee opposed numerous funding proposals, including $10 billion for K-12 schools and community colleges, $10 billion for climate disaster response, and increases in minimum wage, citing concerns over financial impacts and past outcomes. They supported harsher penalties for drug possession and retail theft while emphasizing the need for careful financial commitments and exploring existing revenue sources rather than new bond issuances.
Meeting Package
Positions Taken
Meeting Package
Positions Taken
September 24
The United Chambers of Commerce opposed several proposed measures on September 24. These included a County Charter Amendment (Measure G), which sought to restructure the Los Angeles County government by creating an elected County Executive, establishing an independent Ethics Commission, and increasing the Board of Supervisors from five to nine members. They also opposed a Homelessness Services and Affordable Housing Ordinance (Measure A) that aimed to replace Measure H with a 1/2 cent sales tax to fund affordable housing, mental health, and addiction services. Lastly, the Chamber opposed the Consolidated Fire Protection District Emergency Response and Infrastructure Ordinance (Measure E), which proposed a levy to fund firefighter and paramedic services and equipment upgrades.
Meeting Package
Positions Taken
Meeting Package
Positions Taken
October 21
At the October 21st Government Affairs Meeting Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, represented by Andrea Rosenthal, discussed her focus on small businesses and efforts to address retail theft, homelessness, public safety, and support for local law enforcement. Several propositions on the November ballot were reviewed, including measures related to Los Angeles County government structure, homelessness services, and school safety, with the United Chambers of Commerce opposing all but one measure. Legislative representatives provided updates on crime prevention initiatives, business support programs, and upcoming events.
Meeting Package
Meeting Package