Greetings
Thank you for taking the time to read my e-newsletter. "Mimi's Message" is designed to keep you informed on the most current events and issues facing our community and State. As always, please feel free to contact me with feedback or questions.
-MIMI WALTERS
Senator, 33rd District
www.senate.ca.gov/walters
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Regulations to Repeal
Regulations Cost California Small Businesses Over $134,000 Per Business Each Year
Normally, this section identifies one specific regulation that should be repealed in order to help businesses in California.
However, a revealing new study titled "Cost of State Regulations on California Small Business," documenting the costs of all regulations on small businesses, has been released by the Office of the Small Business Advocate, and the results are staggering to say the least.
According to the report written for the Small Business Advocate by California State University, Sacramento professors Sanjay Varshney and Dennis Tootelian, the total cost of regulations in California is nearly $500 Billion per year - more than $134,000 per small business and nearly 1/3 of the state's gross domestic product. The report also concluded regulations cost the state at least $16 Billion in business tax revenue that did not materialize due to the regulatory structure of the state.
While the costs associated with regulations are staggering, perhaps the most relevant figure is the contention that 3.8 million jobs have been lost because of the existing regulatory regime. The 3.8 million jobs that disappeared would have resulted in over $210 Billion of personal income - money that could have been earned by the hard working people of California.
The report, which can be found at www.sba.ca.gov, makes the following observations:
Total cost of regulation to the State of California: $492.994 billion
Job losses associated with regulations in California: $3.8 million
Lost labor income resulting from state regulations: $210.741 billion
Lost business tax revenue resulting from regulations: $16.024 billion
The report did not identify specific regulations or lay out recommendations for regulatory reform, but legislators should act quickly to at least compel state agencies to, at bare minimum, conduct an independent economic analysis of proposed rules and regulations prior to adoption. If a proposed rule or regulation is found to have a negative economic impact, there should be overwhelming and compelling evidence to warrant adoption.
To learn more about this issue, or to find out how you can become more involved, please call (916) 651-4033 and ask for my consultant who deals with regulatory matters.
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Impending Regulations
New Televisions to Become Less Available
Under a proposed regulation being considered by the California Energy Commission (CEC), new television sets sold in California after 2011 will be required to be 33% more efficient than they are currently.
The goal of reducing energy consumption is admirable, but the practical effect of this regulation will mean consumers will be denied access to affordable televisions and jobs will be lost. The free market is already producing televisions that use less energy, but a hard mandate of a 33% reduction in just two years could deny thousands of people in California the opportunity to purchase new televisions in the state.
In fact, the federal government has already adopted new specifications for energy efficiency through its voluntary ENERGY STAR program. According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the goals sought by the Energy Commission could be achieved through programs like the ENERGY STAR labeling program.
According to Doug Johnson, Senior Director of Technology Policy for the CEA, "Everybody believes in the goal (of energy efficiency) here. The question really is what is the best way to get to those goals that support those objectives?" As reported in an article written for DealerScope, reporter Janet Pinkerton quoted Steve Caldero of Ken Crane's Home Entertainment as saying the new proposed CEC regulations would "affect just about every plasma (screen television) we carry."
The new CEC regulations pose an interesting dilemma for manufacturers of televisions seeking to sell televisions (especially plasma screens) in California. They are doing everything possible to reduce energy consumption and working with the federal government to meet new voluntary ENERGY STAR guidelines. If the CEC adopts more stringent requirements, television manufacturers may be unable to market their products in California, even if they comply with new federal requirements.
The rule making process allows for consumer input on this proposed regulation until November 2, 2009. The actual hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on November 4, 2009 at the California Energy Commission office located in Sacramento.
If you would like to learn how to comment on this proposed action or any other regulatory matter, please contact our consultant who deals with regulations at (916) 651-4033.
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BrightStar Healthcare
Senator Mimi Walters recently met with and toured the BrightStar Healthcare facility in Lake Forest. BrightStar Healthcare is committed to providing quality in home healthcare services to seniors in our community. The work they do has benefited countless families throughout Orange County as well as the rest of the country. Senator Walters met with BrightStar staff Mary Geldbach, Linda Lathrop, Bea Jackson, and Aileen Grant, as well as Mayor Bob Ring of Laguna Woods and Mayor Mark Tettemer of Lake Forest to discuss community healthcare issues in California and the important services that BrightStar provides.
Pictured from Left to Right: Mary Geldbach, Linda Lathrop, Bea Jackson, Aileen Grant, Senator Mimi Walters, Laguna Woods Mayor Bob Ring, Senator Walters' Chief of Staff Gina Zari, and Lake Forest Mayor Mark Tettermer.
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Attorney Linda Sarno Honored with Visionary Award
Local attorney, Linda Sarno, was honored this month by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County (FACCOC) with the Visionary Award of 2009 at the FACCOC Twenty-First Century Business Opportunity Day. The Visionary Award is given annually to a member of the Chamber who has consistently worked to build the organization and further the mission of helping to represent and promote Filipino American business owners and professionals. Ms. Sarno serves as Director Emeritus for the FACCOC, and has been an integral part of the organization for many years.
In addition to her role with the FACCOC, Ms. Sarno is on the Board of Directors of the Asian Business Association of Orange County (ABAOC) and the Small Business Financial Development Corporation of Orange County (SBFDC). She recently served as event co-chair for the JubilASIAN event in May and has played an active role in the organization of several ABAOC pro-business conferences and events throughout the past few years. She diligently updates the ABAOC membership on relevant legislation affecting businesses and has served as the group's liaison to local elected officials. On the board of the SBFDC, she serves as a Director, concentrating on developing underserved, minority-owned businesses.
In her professional career, Linda Sarno is an attorney, specializing in intellectual property law. She is an advocate for small businesses and business owners and has proven herself as a leader in the business community.
Due to recent health challenges, Linda Sarno is taking a leave of absence from her duties on the previously mentioned boards in order to focus on regaining her health. During this time, we extend our best wishes to her for a quick recovery.
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Community Updates
The City of Laguna Woods and Irvine Valley College both held their annual events remembering those who died in the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, and the newly named Orange County Fire Authority Chief, Keith Richter were on hand at Irvine Valley College to discuss the importance of fire and law enforcement presence within the community and to honor their fallen comrades in New York. The Laguna Woods ceremony included a march from Clubhouse 1 to City Hall where members of the American Legion joined the City Council in remembering the lives that were lost and recounting the fact that "freedom isn't free."
September 17, 2009 marked the 222nd anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution and the commencement of events held throughout the 33rd Senate District set to recognize Constitutional Observance Week. Cal State Fullerton held a series of public lectures that aimed to debate the effectiveness of California's government. A diverse group of elected officials, political scientists, and journalists were on hand to discuss a variety of topics ranging from a proposed constitutional convention to the ever present budget dilemma facing the Golden State. The Daughters of the American Revolution held an event at the newly reopened Tustin Public Library where Betsy Ross and other colonial friends were on hand to entertain and answer questions for children from the community. The Anaheim Masonic Lodge #207 hosted a Constitutional Observance Program where Freemasons and members of the community were invited to hear past servicemen and actors portraying notable historic figures of the past, George Washington and Harry S. Truman, speak to the importance of the constitution.
In South County, Mission Viejo welcomed Rumbi Island Grill to the community as it opened its doors on September 21st. The fast casual establishment chose Mission Viejo as its first location in California with plans to eventually open 35 restaurants in the Southern California area. Rumbi Island Grill serves cuisine inspired by the dining in the South Seas, Jamaica, and Hawaiian Islands. We are pleased to welcome this new business in the 33rd Senate District and wish Rumbi Island Grill the best of luck in the future.
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October Events
October 29 - Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival: Held each year in the City of Orange at Plaza Park (Old Town Orange Plaza area), Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Trick or Treat from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Costume parade at 5:30 p.m. at main stage. For more information call (714) 744-7278.
October 30 - Villa Park Halloweenfest: Put your costumes on and come out to for the Villa Park Halloweenfest. Trick-or-treat at participating stores, go on a hayride, enter the costume parade or work on a craft! Food and drinks will be available for purchase. 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Villa Park Towne Centre, 17787 Santiago Blvd., (714) 998-1500.
October 31 - Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade - The Halloween tradition in Anaheim continues on Oct. 31 as the City in partnership with the Anaheim Fall Festival Committee presents the traditional Spooktacular Halloween Parade (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and Fall Festival. All the activities which are from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. include a costume contest, food, games, and haunted house. It will take place on Center Street Promenade in historic Downtown Anaheim. The parade will begin on the corner of Broadway and West Street, travel east on Broadway, then north on Anaheim Blvd, and finish at Lincoln Ave. Families are encouraged to bring their children in costume. For information call (714) 999-2456 or go to www.anaheim.net.
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