“State government is stuck in the past when it comes to the economy. Government doesn’t create jobs, but it has been a barrier to innovation and economic growth,” said Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen, of Modesto. “It’s time to end the outdated thinking in Sacramento that sees new industries as a threat. Our #GrowTogetherCA package will change this attitude to welcome the modern economy and to help close income gaps that are hurting the vast majority of Californians. We also want to focus on infrastructure needs that have gone neglected for too long, driving away jobs and stifling our state’s economic growth potential.”
The #GrowTogetherCA package focuses on addressing critical needs that are important to California’s continued and future economic growth.
One proposal (Assembly Bill 311-Gallagher and Olsen) would streamline the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process to expedite the construction of voter-approved water storage facilities. Increasing water storage is critical to the economies of the North State and the Central Valley.
“California voters made it clear last year that building new water storage is an important priority for our state,” said Assembly Member James Gallagher, R-Nicolaus. “California’s drought is growing worse by the day. State government must remove road blocks holding up the construction of critical projects to expand storage capacity, increase water supply, and better prepare us for future droughts.”
Another bill (Assembly Bill 641-Mayes) would streamline the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process so any litigation brought against proposed housing projects is resolved within 270 days. A recent report by the Legislative Analyst’s Office said government policy was making it difficult to meet the housing demands of California’s coastal communities. Increasing housing supply will make homes more affordable and result in shorter commutes for some workers.
“Our job as legislators is to implement policies that increase the quality of life and standard of living for all Californians,” said Assembly Member Chad Mayes, R-Yucca Valley. “Making housing affordable is key to doing just that.”
GOP lawmakers said that state government must also end its outdated thinking and adopt policies that embrace the modern economy. The #GrowTogetherCA package includes proposals to encourage industries to set up shop in California, create jobs, and generate tax revenue.
One measure (Assembly Bill 229-Chang) would allow state workers to utilize short-term lodging rentals and transportation network companies when traveling on official state business. This would give them greater market choice.
“Allowing state employees to use the sharing economy while traveling on official business will allow them to choose more affordable and convenient travel choices, while helping to promote a growing industry,” said Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang, R-Diamond Bar. “By passing my bill, California will embrace sharing economy and save taxpayer dollars.”
Another bill (Assembly Bill 1038-Jones) would end the rigid and outdated 8 hour-a-day, 40-hour work week and permit employees and employers to mutually agree to 4-day, 10-hour-a-day work schedules. Former California first lady Maria Shriver has spoken often about flexible work schedules being critically important to help empower working women. This change would be mutually beneficial for working families, women, students and caregivers.
“We no longer live in a ‘9 to 5’ world. Many hard-working Californians are struggling when trying to juggle their jobs with the demands of school and caring for their loved ones,” said Assembly Member Brian Jones, R-Santee. “Flex time will make life a little easier for every California worker. It’s time to change the law so employees can work schedules that help them balance work and family.”
A third proposal (Assembly Bill 14-Waldron) would create a state task force to plan the use of unmanned aircraft in California. The task force would work to safeguard the privacy of Californians, while planning for the development of a new industry in our state. A recent report by BI Intelligence found that global spending for unmanned aircraft will grow to $100 billion over the next decide. Commercial use will account for one-eighth of the market.
“Growing industries like the unmanned aircraft industry are important to California’s economic future,” said Assemblywoman Marie Waldron, R-Escondido. “AB 14 will help put polices in place to position California as a leader in the aerospace and new technology industries.”
A fourth measure (Assembly Joint Resolution 9-Chang) would call on Congress and the President to enact reforms that will minimize frivolous patent lawsuits. Right now, many entrepreneurs are being shaken down by shell companies and unscrupulous attorneys for perceived patent infringements.
Republicans said that an efficient and reliable transportation system is one of the keys to a growing economy. The #GrowTogetherCA package includes legislation to ensure that people and cargo can get to their destinations quickly.
One bill (Assembly Bill 4-Linder) would restore Vehicle Weight Fees already paid primarily by truckers for highway repair projects. This would result in $900 million in new annual funding actually being spent to improve California’s highways as intended.
“Every day, California drivers are stuck in traffic, driving on crumbling highways that are inadequate for our growing population,” said Assembly Member Eric Linder, R-Corona. “Californians are already paying vehicle weight fees that are supposed to go to our highways. My bill will ensure that $1 billion each year is actually spent repairing them. By investing in local transportation projects, we can quickly and comprehensively create new jobs, rebuild our infrastructure, and reduce congestion.”
In 2013, BART workers used a loophole in the law to strike twice during a labor dispute. The work stoppage resulted in a traffic nightmare for commuters. Past and current labor contracts prohibit strikes. Assembly Bill 528 (Baker) would prohibit BART employees from engaging in a strike or work stoppage during contract negotiations, while they receive pay. There are no changes to existing or future collective bargaining practices in the measure.
“The recent BART strikes brought the Bay Area to a grinding halt, costing the economy $73 million each day,” said Assemblywoman Catharine B. Baker, R-San Ramon. “Future disputes should be resolved fairly, but we cannot allow critical transportation systems to be shut down, threatening the public health and safety and crippling the economy. My legislation is about fairness – fairness for both workers and commuters.”
A third bill (Assembly Bill 61-Allen) would allow private commuter shuttles to use public bus stops. These have been used by tech companies in the Bay Area to transport their workers, taking commuters off the road.
“California’s technology companies are searching for ways to bring in the best talent, run world class businesses, and improve the environment to meet the needs of our communities,” said Assemblyman Travis Allen, R-Huntington Beach. “Supporting California’s growing innovation industry's use of 'out of the box solutions' like employer sponsored shuttles helps the environment and alleviates traffic, while at the same time dramatically increases their employees' productivity.”
Assembly Republicans invited Californians to urge their legislators to support their legislation on social media, using the hashtag #GrowTogetherCA.
