VICA opposes Assembly Bill 731 (Kalra), which would impose new reporting requirements on health plans and insurers by requiring the plan or insurer for large group filings to submit the factors used in determining the rating.

Under current state law, health plans are already required to report and make large group rate information publicly available. Large employers currently negotiate with their health plans to secure the plan at the cost that best fits their budget and employees' needs. Adding another layer of review does not provide any benefits to employees or employers, and only creates uncertainty about the health plan which employers have worked to carefully negotiate for their employees.

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted on a Private Developer Arts Fee, which would force developers to allocate one percent of the project's value to a County Arts Fund. VICA attended the hearing to voice strong concerns this fee would have on the cost of residential construction, especially at a time when our region is facing a homelessness and housing crisis. 

VICA thanks Supervisors Barger and Hahn for adding a key amendment to delay implementation of the ordinance on residential development for 60 days. During the 60 days, staff will conduct an analysis to study the impacts the fee would have on residential development. We look forward to continuing to work with the Board and their staff to seek ways to encourage public art without reducing housing production.