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Small businesses in California are struggling to recover from the Great Recession. Jobs are scarce.

So why would anybody propose new taxes on businesses whenever they create new jobs?

That’s exactly what opponents say Proposition 24 would do if passed November 2. Learn more about this important ballot measure at the next meeting of the Legislative Alliance of Southern Orange County meeting this Friday morning.

Oscar Urteaga, Southern California Field Director for the No on 24 – Stop the Jobs Tax campaign will explain the implications of Proposition 24 and what Southern Orange County businesses can do about it.

This important meeting takes place this Friday, July 23 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Saddleback College – 28000 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo, Student Services Center, Room 212. Ample and free parking available adjacent to the Student Services Center in Lot 5.

States all across the country have been updating their tax laws to attract and grow businesses and jobs during these difficult economic times. This Proposition would likely send California down the wrong track at the worst time. Join us as we learn about Proposition 24 and what we as a business community can do about it.

Walk-ins OK but RSVPs for the meeting are requested. Please call Karen at (949) 635-1634 to do so or if you have questions.

The Economic Update Breakfast, which had been scheduled for tomorrow, June 29, in Aliso Viejo, has been postponed until later in the year.  Please check back regularly for updates and news about Chamber events and activities!

Assemblywoman Diane Harkey will be the featured speaker for the next meeting of the Legislative Alliance of Southern Orange County (LASOC) THIS Friday, June 25 from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

The meeting, which will focus on the state budget situation, takes place at Saddleback College’s Student Services Center, Student Lounge, Room 212 (28000 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo). 
 
Also participating will be Don Sedgwick, member of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District board of trustees, and Meredith Michaels, Vice Chancellor for Budget at UC Irvine, to discuss impacts of the budget on workforce development and education.
 
The meeting will also include a wrap-up on Mission Viejo Measure D and our first look ahead to the November elections with a presentation from the Stop the Jobs Tax Initiative Campaign. As always, we’ll have updates from our legislative representatives. 
 
Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 23 by calling (949) 635-1634. For a map and detailed directions to Saddleback College, please visit http://www.saddleback.edu/maps/. Please note that ample free parking is available in Lot 5, adjacent to the Student Services Center.

Voters in Mission Viejo overwhelmingly rejected Measure D yesterday. In doing so, they protected the ability of businesses in the city to expand current operations without being required to fund a prohibitively expensive citywide election campaign.

The South Orange County Regional Chamber of Commerce, led by Corporate Board Members and Governmental Affairs Committee Representatives including Dennis O’Connor, Wendy Bucknum, Kate Keena and others, spearheaded the campaign to educate the Mission Viejo business community and mobilize business owners into action against Measure D.

More than 61 percent of the Mission Viejo electorate voted against Measure D, thereby protecting Mission Viejo’s Master Plan, world-class quality of life and business climate.

Mark your calendars now for June 29 for the South Orange County Regional Chamber’s  mid-year ”Economic Update Breakfast” co-hosted by the City of Aliso Viejo.

Panelists will include Orange County Register Real Estate Reporter and Blogger Jonathan Lansner, along with economic experts and South Orange County business leaders. Kay Kearney of Doctor’s Ambulance will facilitate the discussion.

The event takes place Tuesday, June 29 at 7:30 a.m. at the Aliso Viejo Conference Center – 29 Santa Barbara Drive. Cost to attend is only $35. Sponsorship opportunities are available starting at $150, which includes one breakfast ticket, signage and other marketing opportunities.

Call the Chamber today at (949) 635-1634 today to reserve your spot today!
Click here to Register Online

More details to come.

This measure amends Proposition 103 (1988) to allow insurance companies in the state to give “persistency discounts” for those who have had continuous auto insurance coverage with other insurance providers. This inhibits the ability of drivers to shop around for the lowest rate. Proposition 17 will lower auto insurance rates for businesses and their employees and should be supported. We encourage a YES vote on June 8. For more information, please visit www.yesprop17.org.

SOCRCC opposes this measure because it targets one specific industry group – business lobbyists – with the imposition of new fees (aka taxes). The revenues raised would establish public funding of campaigns for California Secretary of State. This sets a dangerous precedent and will add to the costs associated with ensuring that the voice of business is heard in Sacramento. Proposition 15 should be defeated on June 8. More information on the need to oppose Proposition 15 can be found at www.stopprop15.com.

Proposition 13 prohibits tax assessors from reassessing property values when new construction has occurred to seismically retrofit existing buildings. SOCRCC feels businesses are taxed enough, and this is a sensible protection against higher property taxes. We encourage you to vote Yes on Proposition 13 on the June 8 ballot. More information on the need to support Proposition 13 can be found at The Orange County Register.