Cal Chamber
"Best Business Votes"
The California Chamber of Commerce Legislative Scorecard came out recently. Republican legislators make up the top tier of "Best Business Votes" on this year's list. The Chamber compiled the rankings by tracking the votes on legislation deemed "job creators" and/or "job killers".
My top priority is to create jobs in California and the Central Valley. By fighting overburdening regulation, fees, and taxes, we can begin bringing jobs to California and save the ones we have. These are the types of issues the Chamber looked at when developing the scorecard.
The California Chamber is focused on recreating our once healthy business climate and that is good for all of us. California used to be the land of opportunity, now it is the land of regulation. Putting Californians back to work is the quickest way to revitalize our economy and bring economic health back to our state.
In order to further job creation, I supported the following legislation this year:
SB 475: This bill will create private sector construction-related jobs and investment in infrastructure by providing local governments more flexibility and authority to use public-private partnerships.
SB 603: We all know businesses that have been harassed or forced to close due to continuing lawsuits brought against them. SB 603 will help businesses by expanding their ability to defend against these frivolous lawsuits.
SB 617: By requiring an economic analysis of all regulations at the beginning of the regulatory process, regulations can be streamlined and the burden can be eased.
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Old Traffic Ticket Got You Down?
Ticket scofflaws may be in luck
Got an old, unpaid traffic ticket shoved in your glove box or under the seat of your car? If so January 1, 2012 may be your lucky day. Between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2012 the Administrative Office of the Courts will be offering an amnesty program for most tickets (DUI, reckless driving or parking violations are excluded) that were supposed to have been paid before January 1 2009. Just take your fine to the County Superior Court where it was supposed to be paid and the fine will be reduced by half.
To be eligible for the Infraction Amnesty Program the tickets must meet the following criteria: the violation is an infraction violation filed with the court; the due date for payment of the fine or bail was on or before January 1, 2009; the defendant does not owe victim restitution on any case within the county; there are no outstanding misdemeanor or felony warrants for the defendant within the county. On eligible citations, the defendant must pay 50 percent of the fine or bail balance in full satisfaction of the debt.
If you would like additional information please contact: collections@jud.ca.gov, 818-558-3080, or visit the court's website at:
http://www.courts.ca.gov/partners/941.htm
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Senator Berryhill Receives award for supporting green energy
A few weeks ago, I received an award from DTE Energy for "hard work and support of green energy." DTE is converting a Stockton facility from a coal power plant to a green energy plant and I was among the first to show support for the project.
This project and the work DTE is doing will not only create more jobs in the Central Valley, but more efficiently create clean energy. I am proud to join other community and local leaders in supporting these efforts.
The Port of Stockton District Energy Facility began construction in August to convert the facility to biomass. The project is expected to be completed by early 2013.
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Fire Safety Tips from CAL FIRE
With the return of the holiday season, CAL FIRE warns of the big increase in house fires that tend to arise every year.
CAL FIRE has a great video on fire safety tips to help families avoid making the simple mistakes that can lead to tragedy in the blink of an eye. These tips include:
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Never walk away from something cooking on the stove. If the phone rings or someone comes to the door, turn the stove off. Always use an oven timer to remind you something is cooking.
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If a fire does start on the stove top, put on the lid if you can, and turn off the stove. Never pour water on the flames, as that can just spread the fire, especially if you are cooking something with oil.
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Turkey fryers are notoriously dangerous, and CAL FIRE does not recommend using them. If you are going to use one, consider using it outside, away from anything flammable.
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If you use candles, never leave them unattended or in a place where they could start a fire. Consider using the flameless candles instead.
You can find these and many more fire safety tips at:
http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/communications_factsheets.php
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Upcoming Community Events
November 16 - Fresno Chamber Annual Ag Awards Luncheon, 11:45am, TorNino's Banquets, Fresno, Tickets and More Information
November 18 - Soroptimist International 75th Anniversary Dinner, 6pm, The Charity Ballroom, Modesto, Tickets and More Information
December 5 - Wreaths Across America, 11:30am, State Capitol, Sacramento, More Information
December 10 - Fresno Christmas Parade, 11am, Downtown Fresno, More Information
December 13 - Madera County EDC 2011 Economic Summit, 11:30am, Madera County Municipal Golf Course, Madera, Tickets and More Information
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