ECONOMIC & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

The Roseville Area Business PAC hosted its first fundraiser of the year on June 14th at the Chamber offices. The PAC had a successful night, raising over $5,000 which will be donated to pro-business local candidates. With the 2024 election being an important one, it's critical to support candidates in Roseville and Placer County that have the interest of the business community in mind. We would like to thank all of those who donated and supported the fundraiser!

In other advocacy news, UCAN, the United Chamber Advocacy Network, has selected Smith Policy Group as their new lobbyist in the California legislator. Mark Smith and his team have a combined 75 years of lobbying experience and have successfully represented clients from trade associations, for-profit and nonprofit companies, and large and small businesses. We are excited to work closely with Mark and the rest of Smith Policy Group for the betterment of our members and the business community.

As the California Legislator prepares to adjourn for summer recess in August, the Chamber is keeping a close eye on key pieces of legislation that affect the business community. We oppose SB 525 that would raise the minimum wage for health care workers to $25, putting a burden on our local hospitals. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic health care facilities are unable to take on these additional costs without the risk of reducing staff or passing costs to customers. The Chamber also supports bills that will benefit local businesses. Earlier this year, Assemblyman Joe Patterson introduced AB 1668, to authorize the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to issue no more than four new onsale general licenses in Placer County per year and also prohibits transferring new licenses out of the county or be sold at a price greater than the original fee, and the chamber has been a staunch supporter. This bill will reduce the wait times and astronomical costs for these licenses that businesses currently deals with. All legislative positions that the Chamber has taken can be found on the Chamber Positions page on our website.