"Alle, Alle Atzen Free"
Jobs still playing hide and seek in CA"I have been through enough budgets to know that the only way to increase and sustain the tax base is to create high wage jobs. Of course, the entire country is talking about job creation, but is importance can’t be overstated in California. There is no more important barometer of economic struggle and family suffering than a 12.4 percent unemployment rate."
- Senate Pro Tem, Darrel Steinberg
Actions speak louder than words and it is sure hard to tell by majority party actions that these legislators are serious about making jobs a top priority. Just last week Republican legislative efforts to enact "job-creator" legislation were summarily put out of business.
Look at what the majority party said NO to:
* SBX8 70 (Dutton R - Rancho Cucamonga) and SB8X 66 (Cox R - Sacramento), allowing greater flexibility for employees and employers to implement more family friendly work schedules, ease traffic congestion and commute time. The measures would also have put an end to the frivolous lawsuits that are driving businesses - and jobs - out of state.
* SB 8x 57 (Cox -R Fair Oaks) to delay the costly new diesel engine regulations that have hamstrung California’s transportation sectors. The regulations have been questioned by economists and industry experts since their implementation.* Another rejected measure, SB 8X 65 (Huff - R Diamond Bar), which would have made healthcare more affordable in California by offering competition from out of state insurers and plans.
* Efforts by Senator Roy Ashburn (R - Bakersfield) to expand his hugely successful homebuyer tax credit by $200 million were tabled as well. This measure has bipartisan co-authors, support from industry and labor, and would have created much needed construction jobs and get people buying homes and investing in California communities again.By contrast, let us take a look at majority party priorities during a job crisis:
* A new tax on sugar in soft drinks. (SB 1210 Florez, D-Shafter)
* A new tax on pet food. (SB 1277 Florez D-Shafter)
* Create a $200 billion dollar single payer health care plan. (SB 810 Leno, D-San Francisco)*Eliminating free parking. (SB 518 Lowenthal, D-Long Beach)
* Mandating ski helmets. (SB 880 Yee D- SF)
* A requirement for fancy labeling on your cell phone to inform you there are radiation waves emitted when you use it. (SB 1212, Leno, D- San Francisco)
* No Cuss Week (ACR 112 Portantino, D- La Canada Flintridge)These proposals don’t represent my priorities, especially when families are drowning in a sea of foreclosures, lost jobs and a stagnant economy. What they do represent are more government, more government mandated costs and just plain annoying intrusions into our lives. California should be focused on getting and keeping jobs in the state. Plain and simple.
Now who is the Party of "NO?"
Senate Republicans didn't miss a beat this week presenting a full spectrum of legislation designed to bring jobs to California and stimulate the economy. But the liberal majority said "NO" - No to workers, No to business growth, and No to jobs. This is the same, tired strategy liberals have employed for decades that has dragged our state into its current economic crisis.
Earlier this month, Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg and his liberal colleagues, stood in front of the news cameras, smiling and touting their "born-again" jobs focus:
"I have been through enough budgets to know that the only way to increase and sustain the tax base is to create high wage jobs. Of course, the entire country is talking about job creation, but is importance can't be overstated in California. There is no more important barometer of economic struggle and family suffering than a 12.4 percent unemployment rate."
Really, Senator Steinberg? What did your party say this week to legislation that would have brought flexibility to the work schedule, reduce commute times and accommodate the needs of working families? NO! (SBX8 70 - Dutton and SB8X 66 - Cox)
What did your colleagues say to proposals to delay the costly new diesel engine regulations enacted by The California Air Resources Board that have had an burdensome effect on all transportation sectors? NO! (SB 8x 57 - Cox) Economists and industry experts, on both sides of the issue have questioned the science and economics behind these regulations - but not the liberals in the legislature - they know better. If it hurts business, it must be ok.
How about a measure to allow competition and better pricing of healthcare plans in California? NO! (SB 8x 65 - Huff)
On my way to work every day I see a real estate billboard touting the hugely successful homebuyers' tax credit. When Republicans tried to expand it - what did your colleagues say? NO! Not today. This measure has bipartisan co-authors, support from industry and labor, and would have created much needed construction jobs and gotten people buying homes and investing in California communities again. (SB x6 4 - Ashburn)
My own legislation, the Jobs Protection Act was not even given the courtesy of a hearing. It would require any legislation that has an economic impact on California business to be sent to an existing joint committee for the preparation of an economic impact analysis and hearing.
One of every six American employers that closed permanently in 2008 was in California. Our state experienced 45% more business closures than launches, compared to 10.5% nationally. By the end of 2008 there were almost 47,000 fewer businesses in California than in 2007. The global recession is a convenient scapegoat for California's economic ills - and certainly a factor. But overregulation has been driving businesses out of this state for years, and good jobs with them. Sadly that is what some in Sacramento refuse to acknowledge.
California families need jobs. We all need relief from the high unemployment that is strangling our state. We do not need leadership that refuses to recognize that reality.
You've heard the adage; a leopard never changes its spots? That about sums it up when it comes to jobs. Liberals, despite what they say, are more interested in the creation of big government - not big business. The so-called solutions offered by my colleagues across the aisle are more government, more state jobs - non-solutions that will ultimately put a further stranglehold on our state.
So who is the party saying NO to prosperity, NO to jobs and NO to finding a way to help California's families?
Tom Harman represents the people of the 35th Senate District. Harman, a member of the Republican Party, was first elected to the State Senate in 2006 in a special election after serving nearly six years in the State Assembly representing the 67th Assembly District.
Harman first entered the State Legislature in 2000 after serving six years on the Huntington Beach City Council. Senator Harman, a local businessman and civic volunteer, has lived and worked in Orange County for nearly 50 years.
He currently serves as Minority Whip and lead Republican on the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee. He also is a member of the following committees: Budget and Fiscal Review; Business, Professions and Economic Development; Governmental Organizations; Local Government; Transportation and Housing.
As one of the State's leaders in the fight against illegal immigration, Harman has authored numerous measures aimed at: providing local and state law enforcement the tools necessary to assist federal agencies; requiring employment verification; and limiting state services to those here illegally.
He has consistently supported legislation to limit the size and scope of government. Throughout his legislative career he has signed and honored his pledge to vote against all new taxes.