Council opposed SB 582 as regulatory burden on small business

The Contra Costa Council urged East Bay Assemblymembers Susan Bonilla, Joan Buchanan and Nancy Skinner to reject SB 582, which would have authorized a four-year pilot program mandating that employers provide a transit benefit to employees (Governor Brown vetoed the bill). While noting, "we wholeheartedly endorse the goals of SB 375 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Council President and CEO Linda Best questioned "whether this mandate would accomplish much in reducing commutes, but we do know that it will increase the regulatory burden on small businesses."

"We believe that the proposed legislation fails to recognize that not all communities have adequate access to transit services. This is especially true of several suburban communities in Contra Costa County," wrote Best in a July 11 letter. "However, the ordinance would apply to all employers above a certain threshold, yet to be determined, regardless of access to transit. Though the employees would not be able to take advantage of the benefit, the employers would still be required to comply with reporting requirements and be subject to fines. At a time when our businesses are still struggling with the recession, it does not make sense to add new mandates to our businesses."

An additional concern is the issue of employer liability. If an employer provides a vanpool, as described in Option 3, and an accident were to occur, with injuries, the employer would be liable, potentially including workers compensation. While large employers might well be able to absorb this cost, it would be an added burden on small businesses.

"It is important to note that any business that determines it is advantageous to both the employer and employee to provide a benefit with pre-tax dollars can already do so. We suggest that a more robust outreach and education program to Bay Area employers as to the program's advantages would help achieve the goals of the legislation without adding to the regulatory burden," said Best.

Closure of Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo would be "catastrophic" for Contra Costa

 

The Council is supporting an application for funding by the Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo to the California Medical Assistance Commission, at the recommendation of the Health Care Task Force.

The closure of Doctors Medical Center would have a catastrophic impact on emergency services in Contra Costa County, according to a new report commissioned by Contra Costa Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Continued concerns over the long-term financial sustainability of this critical community hospital serving West Contra Costa residents indicate that the facility will likely be forced to close unless drastic steps are taken. Its closure would mean the loss of one of only two hospitals in the West Contra Costa region and the closure of the area's largest emergency room. This would place an enormous strain on already overwhelmed emergency services in the county, the report shows. County Supervisor John Gioia, who chairs the medical center's joint governing board, said this can't be allowed to happen and community leaders are calling for every effort to be made to save the hospital.

Released in July 2011, the report provides an analysis of emergency department and critical care needs in the region and what the impacts would be if the hospital closed or changed its services.

By Victor Abalos, Director of Partnerships and Communications, CA Fwd

California is, by nature, an optimistic state, a state of thinkers and, most importantly, a state of doers. A recent Viewpoint Learning survey tells us that a full 86 percent of Californians--almost nine of out of 10--believe it's possible for the state to be well-run.

That's extraordinary, especially in this time of a faltering economy and broken governance system--but it's also true. Because our state is also home to industries and innovation that have transformed economies near and far, and our regions provide a diversity of landscape, industry and ideas.

The nonprofit, nonpartisan California Forward agrees with Californians who see good things ahead--but we also know that it's going to take work. We're helping government make good on that optimism through efforts to bring transparency and accountability to government at every level and empower local governments to work together to best serve their communities.

We want to increase performance, accountability and transparency in all levels of government by empowering local communities to find local solutions to local problems. That means moving resources from the state to the local level and ensuring that they are spent wisely.

Our fiscal reform plan goes beyond balancing the budget from one year to the next. We want to stabilize the whole process and ensure transparency and accountability. We're working to recapture the promise of California by collaborating with lawmakers and other leaders all over the state to put California back on the Path Forward.

We're encouraging lawmakers to implement real reform, such as pay-as-you-go and performance-based and multi-year budgeting.

And, to ensure lawmakers are more responsive to the populations they serve, we're also encouraging voters to participate by casting their ballot, engaging with their city and county leaders, and getting involved in their communities.

We need your input and energy. Watch our Path Forward video and share your vision for California: www.cafwd.org/video-CCC. Also, sign up for our mailing list and "like" us on Facebook to stay on top of California governance reform issues.

Contra Costa Philanthropy Awards "build awareness for good work"

Don't miss out! Nomination deadline is Thursday, September 1

"The inspiration for the newly announced Contra Costa Philanthropy Awards is to build awareness for the good work that the for-profit community is doing in partnering with nonprofit organizations, and recognizing the selfless work of men and women who make Contra Costa the great county that it is," says Mark Hughes, co-chair of the Contra Costa Council's Social Responsibility Task Force. (He shares that role with Kate Ertz-Berger.)

"Our hope is that the awards will not only recognize the good work of many organizations, but will also inspire others in the corporate world to get involved and make a difference in their community," he adds. "Attendees will find there is a competitive advantage to being a good corporate citizen. Organizations that are active community partners build positive reputations and brand images, and in today's competitive environment, that's meaningful. Organizations with strong reputations have a tendency to attract higher caliber employees, they have higher employee-retention rates, and consumers are more inclined to purchase their products."

Award recipients will be honored at a special breakfast event on Thursday, November 10, at the Hilton Concord, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Registration for the event will open in October.

Nominations are due by Thursday, September 1, to Terry Shoaff at the Contra Costa Council. Award categories include: outstanding corporate philanthropist (small, medium and large companies); outstanding philanthropist; outstanding foundation or community grant maker; outstanding collaborative project; volunteer of the year; and lifetime achievement. For more information or to access the nomination form, visit the Council website at http://contracostacouncil.com/philanthropy.php.

A prestigious panel, representing all sectors of the community and government, has been formed to select the individuals and organizations to be honored.

As the architect of the philanthropy awards program, Hughes feels that many people and organizations are puzzled when it comes to how to partner effectively with nonprofits and how to manage a volunteer program. Thus, the purpose of the November 10 breakfast is to recognize good work but also to have these companies share why this work benefits the company along with the nonprofit.

 

Stellar lineup at November 10 breakfast event

 

Lisa Stevens, Wells Fargo executive vice president and president of California retail banking, will serve as keynote speaker at the November 10 breakfast. A panel discussion will feature Michael Day, chief financial officer, AAA Northern California, Nevada and Utah, and Ken McNeely, president of California AT&T. Panelists will discuss their strategies for corporate philanthropy and how strong links between for-profit and nonprofit organizations can benefit individual businesses and the wider community.

 

Please give serious consideration to making a nomination and forwarding this information to others who may be interested. Award recipients must attend the awards event and be willing to be publicly recognized. 

Wells Fargo has generously agreed to be the presenting sponsor and Chevron is the premier sponsor. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. If you have any questions, please contact Terry Shoaff at the Council office at (925) 246-1880.

About the Council

The Contra Costa Council is a public policy advocacy organization that promotes the economic vitality and quality of life of Contra Costa County and the Greater East Bay region. The Council engages on issues of critical importance to the business community and residents of the county, balancing the needs of a diverse region through policy efforts that provide for local and regional economic development while retaining our quality of life.

Through its task forces, the Council develops and supports policy positions to further its mission and sponsors educational forums for its members and the community.

For more information about the Council, please visit our website.

To comment on items in this newsletter, please contact Linda Best at the Contra Costa Council.

This issue was edited for the Contra Costa Council by Molly A. Walker of Walker Communications.

© 2011 Contra Costa Council