Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce

Public Policy Statements and Points of Advocacy

Business Environment & Economic Development, Education & Workforce Development, Employment & Labor, and Governance

Approved by the Chamber Board of Directors ~ February 15, 2024

Business Environment & Economic Development

The Rancho Cordova Area Chamber service area is home to a vibrant business community that continues to grow and attract new investment in the region. The Chamber believes in bolstering local business by supporting policies that work for employers and allow them to prosper and thrive in California. 

We support 

• Legislation that reduces business income taxes 
• Simplification of the tax code 
• Legislation advocating for rational regulatory and tax policies 
• Incentives for business expansion in our region
• Efforts to reduce business costs caused by litigation and by promoting mediation and/or arbitration 
• Simplifying compliance with federal and state tax law 
• Efforts to simplify and expedite regulatory review and permitting processes for new and existing businesses and construction projects 
• Legislation, regulations, and government agency actions that respect private property owners' rights and do not infringe upon them. 

We oppose 

• Taxation of a specific industry or group, unless such measure is shown to be directly related to impacts caused by the industry or group 
• Tax law changes that harm California's high-tech innovation leadership on a national or global stage 
• Unnecessary or burdensome taxes and fees on businesses

Education & Workforce Development

An educated workforce is imperative to creating and sustaining a highly competitive business community within our region. We must promote a robust education system to meet the needs for a knowledgeable and skilled workforce. 

We support 

• General Matters
• Local control of education, implementing local priorities, and commitment to attaining high academic standards
• Cooperation and communication among educators, parents, the business community, and community organizations are needed to ensure educational goals, training programs, and priorities closely follow employer and labor market needs.
• A well-rounded educational experience, including but not limited to foreign language education, arts, and STEM initiatives
• Expansion of highly skilled programs at the community college and university levels to meet identified local needs and skills such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
• Expanded access to higher education
• Mental health and counseling services to promote behavioral well-being and encourage academic achievement for students
• Addressing barriers to education and retaining the workforce
• Adult Education
• Adult retraining through incentive-based public and private sector programs, as well as "re-entry" programs
• Hands-on training opportunities for students and adults looking to gain new knowledge and improve skills
• Consideration for formerly incarcerated individuals returning to the workforce
• Trades  
• Programs at the high school level to introduce students to trade and apprenticeship programs 
• The community college system's efforts to promote trade certificate programs
• Initiatives supporting construction trade, mechanical, and light manufacturing trades education

EMPLOYMENT & LABOR

Employment and labor policies are vital for local businesses as they provide a legal and ethical framework for employment relationships, contribute to a stable and productive workforce, and enhance their overall reputation and competitiveness. 

We support:

• Reforms to workers' compensation law that fairly balances employer liabilities and employee benefits
• Increased flexibility for employers and employees, including, but not limited to, work schedule and meal and rest periods 
• Legislation to promote arbitration/mediation that benefits both employer and employee
• Educational efforts and programs intended to improve the skills of workers
• Simplification of government regulations to ensure compliance
• Efforts to repeal AB 5 and the definition of employees and independent contractors or amend AB 5 by adding industry exemptions

We oppose:

• Policies that unfairly penalize employers or employees
• Legislation forcing businesses to release pay data to governmental agencies
• Policies that target specific industries to control how they compensate their employees 
  

Governance

The business community and government must work together to ensure our region's economy stays strong, attracts new businesses, retains those already here, and strengthens a productive workforce. The Chamber supports a balanced government that reflects the needs of our members, business community, customers and clients, and residents. 

We support

• Government reform that streamlines processes and provides cost-effective services 
• Reform that ensures primary decision-making remains local and allows for direct access to decision-making 
• Efforts to reform the California budgeting process and structure to encourage long-term fiscal stability with limits on unnecessary spending 
• A more equitable method of distribution of funding of local governments