VICA Opposes Rushed LA Unified Parcel Tax for June 4th Ballot

Yesterday, VICA chose to oppose LAUSD's per-square-foot ballot measure, which will be on the June 4, 2019 ballot. If approved by two-thirds of voters, all commercial property owners and some residential property owners would be charged 16 cents per square foot of all buildings. The tax is expected to raise up to $500 million per year, which is the projected structural deficit of LAUSD by 2020-21, and will sunset after 12 years.  

A strong education system for our students is absolutely crucial for our region. Unfortunately, the LAUSD Board of Education chose not to make any hard decisions about reducing overhead or rapidly spiraling pension and healthcare costs. Instead, they chose to seize the moment of public awareness following the teachers' strike earlier this year and simply raise taxes, with the huge majority of the burden falling on businesses. The new revenue generated will not improve the quality of education since it is plugging an existing structural deficit, while removing the pressure to reform.

 

The business community recognizes the need to work with LAUSD to improve education for our students. Unfortunately we were not given any opportunity to support the development of a sustainable long-term strategy. The rushed process to get this measure on the ballot did not allow for input from the community and VICA will be working with a coalition to defeat this tax, and move forward with a better solution for our students.

Spotlight on VICA Leadership

Christine Aghassi is a VICA Board Member and Chair of VICA's Government Affairs Committee.

Aghassi is a seasoned strategist with more than two decades of experience in public affairs and campaign management. As an owner of Dolphin Group, she tackles complex public policy issues for the firm's diverse clients - from Fortune 50 corporations to local community groups. She has developed and overseen implementation of strategic communications programs in a variety of policy areas including regulation, taxation, health care, land use, gaming and manufacturing.

How is VICA valuable to you or your business?

As a strategic public affairs firm, we represent a wide array of clients in fields such as real estate, healthcare, retail, transportation, and manufacturing. Each client has its own unique public policy issues and business objectives and VICA is an important partner helping us and our clients advocate for their own particular interests. Moreover, the professional staff has expertise on tracking and understanding issues ensuring VICA is a first line of defense against, or the first to support, shifts in public policy.

Why should members consider becoming more involved with the Government Affairs Committee?

The Government Affairs Committee's next meeting is on March 20.

Click here to RSVP to the next Government Affairs Committee Meeting.

 

Support Increased Funding for Developmental Disability Service Providers

VICA supports an across-the-board increase in funding and comprehensive rate restructuring to support Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Under the state Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act, California provides support for over 330,000 people with IDD and their families. 

In Los Angeles, a coalition of service providers has identified severe challenges in serving these Californians, and warns that unless rates are increased, services are at risk. 

 
The people who serve Californians with IDD are dedicated and skilled. These were never intended to be minimum wage positions. An across-the-board rate increase will enable providers to provide service for individuals with IDD and meet new federal requirements for IDD support which are going into effect in 2022.

VICA Recommends Guiding Principles for Municipal and State Parental Leave Policies

The VICA Board adopted guiding principles for municipal and state parental leave policies in response to the LA City Council's motion to require 18 weeks of fully-paid family leave. Currently, Paid Family Leave and Disability Insurance benefits provide partial pay for up to 18 weeks. VICA strongly believes that any new policy should continue to be funded by a payroll tax on employees, allowing employers and employees to share the cost burden. State parental leave legislation should preempt local municipalities from passing their own ordinances to create a uniform paid family leave process and any policy should exempt businesses with fewer than 50 full time equivalent (FTE) employees or not-for-profits.

The IDEAL Conference, brought to you by Child Care Resource Center, will make its debut on September 18 - 19, 2019 at The Garland in North Hollywood, California. This two-day conference includes 40 inspiring speakers, 24 cutting edge sessions and will feature dynamic keynote speaker Shiza Shahid, Co-Founder of The Malala Fund & Founder of NOW Ventures. Secure your seat for both days and save! Register now for the 2-day exclusive bundle and save with early-bird discount.

Join Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley's Chair Jessica Yasukochi (VICA) as her guest. To RSVP please contact [email protected]

VICA members can promote their business, events and news in VICA Weekly. Member messages are available for $50 per week or $175 for four weeks. Messages are text-based and may not contain more than 70 words. A logo may be added for an additional $5 per week. For more information or to schedule your member message, contact [email protected]  or 

call (818) 817-0545.