News

Governor Jerry Brown Jr. recently released a package of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reforms that will simplify and expedite the approval process for key job-creating projects in California. The package of CEQA reforms was released by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and provide the regulatory changes necessary to implement SB 226 (Simitian), which the Governor signed last October.

The OPR is holding workshops across CA seeking public and business input:

Check out the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Local Business Preference Program (LBPP). The LBPP will seek to leverage funds expended under contracts to stimulate local business activities, encourage businesses to set up operations locally, and to augment local job creation efforts.

With members of both parties expressing distaste at some of the particulars, Congress today voted to extend payroll tax cuts and unemployment benefits. President Obama has said he would sign a bill as soon as Congress passes it.
       

The Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) is holding public workshops to solicit comments on proposed additions to the CEQA Guidelines implementing SB 226 (Simitian, 2011).  The proposal sets forth a streamlined CEQA review process for infill projects and contains performance standards that will determine an infill project's eligibility for streamlined review. 

The proposal and related documents are available online HERE. 

Stay up-to-date on the latest laws in CA that affect your business. Employers Group has issued a briefing sheet on some of the key employment law trends for this year, and CalChamber also has issued a white paper to help you stay current.

Check out Employers Group's briefing sheet here.

For the second time, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) postponed the effective date for posting its employee rights notice. The new date is April 30, 2012.

Most private-sector employers must post a new notice issued by the NLRB entitled, “Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act.” The NLRB has statutory jurisdiction over private sector employers whose activity in interstate commerce exceeds a minimal level.

With over 150 private sector and nonprofit leaders in attendance,the White House announced Summer Jobs+, a new call to action for businesses, non-profits, and g

In case you missed it, this fall the LA County Board of Supervisors raised the local bid preference to 8 percent for local businesses competing for county contracts.

Small businesses based in Los Angeles County now are eligible for an 8% bid price reduction (up from 5%) when they bid on county contracts. The Los Angeles Business Journal cites an example: a local company could submit a bid for county work that was 4 percent higher than an out-of-county bidder, but the local bid would be considered superior.