January 12, 2017
WEDNESDAY: Cross-Border Vision for 2017 Luncheon
With the inauguration just days away and as the future of international trade remains uncertain, more than 200 elected, business, and community leaders will gather to share one unified vision for the cross-border business community.
Dr. Lee E. Ohanian, the UCLA Economics professor who served as an advisor to the presidential campaigns of John McCain, Mitt Romney, and Jeb Bush, will share his insight as we align priorities for the Cali-Baja region.
Click here to save your spot today.
2017 Chamber Leadership Delegation to Sacramento: Feb. 28 – March 1
As the nation prepares for a Trump administration, key legislators in Sacramento have expressed a clear intention to defend conflicting goals with respect to: international trade, immigration, climate change, the Affordable Care Act, and more. While our state leadership navigates the new political landscape, they’re looking for input on how policy decisions will affect local communities.
Now is the time for business, community and policy leaders to unite and share their insight on policy directives. Lend your voice to our Leadership Delegation to Sacramento and help us ensure the priorities of Sacramento reflect the needs of San Diego’s regional business community.
Policy priorities for this year’s delegation include:
- Transportation and Infrastructure Funding
- Housing Supply and Affordability
- Climate Change
- Water
- International Trade & Commerce
- Legalized Marijuana Regulations
- State & Federal Elections
Chamber members – save $75 and register now before the January 31 early bird deadline. To join the Chamber’s hotel block at discounted pricing, be sure to make hotel reservations before February 10.
Governor Brown Releases California State Budget Proposal
Yesterday morning, Governor Brown released his budget proposal and outlined his priorities for the year. A large portion of the budget will be determined by actions at the federal level, but our Sacramento lobbyists have provided a helpful overview of where the state will begin to negotiate.
Incoming Trump Administration and New Congress Set Ambitious Goals Including ACA Repeal
The incoming administration and recently sworn in Congress have set a full agenda for their first 100 days. Many details remain uncertain, but we expect an expedient repeal of the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare.”
ate on Wednesday, Republican Senators approved a budget blueprint that represents the first significant step in repealing the Affordable Care Act on a 51 to 48 vote. The Chamber’s Healthcare Committee, active in producing comments and educating membership about the implementation of ACA years ago, will continue its role to ensure the ACA replacement is fully vetted while advocating for stability for businesses and individuals trying to comply with this complex law.
Interested members can contact the Healthcare Committee staff liaison, Stefanie Benvenuto, at sbenvenuto@sdchamber.org.
Mexico Replaces Foreign Minister with Advocate of Trump’s
Visit to Mexico
In an attempt to improve its relationship with President-Elect Donald Trump, Mexico’s President, Enrique Peña Nieto, has named Luis Videgaray as his new foreign minister. Videgaray made headlines last year when resigning his cabinet position after the political fallout from his support of Trump’s visit to Mexico.
Videgaray will serve as Mexico’s main representative during the NAFTA negotiations with Trump’s administration.
Airport Authority Considers Future of Lyft & Uber
Chamber staff testified in support of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board continuing permits for transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber & Lyft.
The Authority Board voted to approve the permit for TNCs through 2017 while also reducing its environmental tax.
FEEDBACK WANTED: Share How Immigration Affects Your Business
As reports indicate that a border security bill may be one of the top priorities for the new Congress, Business Forward – a national non-profit organization for job creators – is seeking input from business stakeholders.
Help them share feedback with members of Congress by providing your input below.
Should immigration reform be a priority for Washington?
Seeking New Interns for Chamber’s Policy & IBA Departments
The Chamber’s International Business Affairs (IBA) and Public Policy departments have several internship opportunities available. For more information and to apply, visit the Chamber’s Careers page.
Business Organizations Across the Nation Unite in Support of Regulatory Accountability Act
The San Diego Chamber signed on to a coalition letter urging the 115th Congress to act on the Regulatory Accountability Act in early next year. The letter was signed by 380 chambers and associations from around the country, sending a strong message to Capitol Hill that regulatory reform continues to be a critical priority for the business community.
New Year, New Leadership: City and State Committee
Chairs Announced
Our policy team compiled a handy summary of new committee leadership assignments at both the state and municipal level.
Kamala Harris Sworn In; Xavier Becerra Nominated as
Attorney General
The United States welcomed its newest Senator from California, former state Attorney General Kamala Harris.
Following her election win, Governor Brown was quick to nominate Xavier Becerrato replace her in the role of Attorney General. His confirmation hearing began January 10th.
Supervisor-Elect Kristin Gaspar Sworn In January 9
Chamber-endorsed candidate Kristin Gaspar was sworn in this week to represent the County’s 3rd District. Gaspar will represent the coast from Del Mar to Encinitas along SR-52, including Carmel Valley, and I-15 from Tierrasanta to Escondido.
Gaspar hired Supervisor Horn’s former Chief of Staff and 2016 SDYL Member, Dustin Steiner, to lead her team. Steiner was honored by the Chamber at the 2016 Legislative Lounge for his excellent work at the County.
