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Serving the San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, San Fernando, and Santa Clarita
Valley Industry & Commerce Association || vica.com
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- VICA Advocates During "House of Origin" Deadline
- VICA Board Takes New Positions
- VICA is Hiring!
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"I was pleased to vote for the 2024 FAA reauthorization bill, a strong bipartisan effort to protect the flying public and ensure that the United States remains the gold standard for aviation safety and innovation. This bill will not only protect travelers, but it also creates good-paying jobs, invests in cleaner and greener aviation infrastructure, and bolsters our economy for years to come."
Congresswoman Julia Brownley
Statement on House Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill
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VICA Key Bills Advance as "House of Origin" Deadline Passes | |
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As the "House of Origin" deadline nears in the California Legislature, VICA looks to provide a detailed update on the status of crucial legislative bills.
Assembly Bills Crossed Over
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AB 2011 (Bauer-Kahan): Unlawful Employment Practices: Small Employer Family Leave Mediation Program: Reproductive Loss Leave - SUPPORT: Enhances support for employees through family leave mediation programs and introduces leave for reproductive loss, providing necessary workplace protections and support.
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AB 761 (Friedman): Local Finance: Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts - SUPPORT: Aids local governments in establishing districts to fund and improve infrastructure, fostering economic development and community revitalization.
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AB 817 (Pacheco): Open Meetings: Teleconferencing: Subsidiary Body - SUPPORT: Promotes transparency and accessibility in government by allowing more flexible teleconferencing options for open meetings.
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AB 1802 (Jones-Sawyer): Crimes: Organized Theft - SUPPORT: Proposes tougher penalties for organized theft, protecting businesses from coordinated criminal activities.
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AB 1820 (Schiavo): Housing Development Projects: Applications: Fees and Exactions - SUPPORT: Streamlines processes and reduces fees for housing development, encouraging urban development and housing availability.
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AB 2910 (Santiago): State Housing Law: Local Regulations: Conversion of Commercial or Industrial Buildings - SUPPORT: Encourages the conversion of underused commercial properties into residential units, addressing housing shortages innovatively.
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AB 2943 (Rivas): Crimes: Shoplifting - SUPPORT: Increases penalties for shoplifting, aiming to deter theft and secure retail environments.
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AB 2254 (Rubio): Charter Schools: Renewal Criteria - SUPPORT: Clarifies and streamlines the criteria for charter school renewal, supporting educational choices and standards.
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AB 2239 (Bonta): Digital Discrimination of Access: Prohibition - OPPOSE: Concerns over potential overreach and unintended consequences on technological innovation and service provision.
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AB 2286 (Aguiar-Curry): Vehicles: Autonomous Vehicles - OPPOSE: Proposes regulations that could hinder the development and deployment of autonomous vehicle technology, potentially setting back innovation.
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AB 2288 (Kalra, McKinnor): Labor Code Enforcement: Private Civil Actions - OPPOSE: Expands grounds for civil actions under the labor code, which could lead to increased litigation and costs for businesses.
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AB 2498 (Quirk-Silva): Housing: California Housing Security Act - OPPOSE: This bill raises concerns about excessive regulatory burdens on housing providers, which could stifle development efforts.
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AB 2557 (Ortega): Local Agencies: Contracts for Special Services and Temporary Help: Performance Reports - OPPOSE: This bill mandates additional reporting requirements for local agencies, potentially increasing administrative burdens without significant benefits.
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AB 2716 (Bryan): Oil and Gas: Low-Production Wells: Sensitive Receptors - OPPOSE: Introduces stringent regulations that could adversely affect the operational flexibility of the oil and gas industries.
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AB 2738 (Rivas): Labor Code: Alternative Enforcement: Occupational Safety - OPPOSE: Could lead to increased litigation and regulatory compliance costs for businesses under the guise of enhancing occupational safety.
Senate Bills Crossed Over
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SB 1119 (Newman): Hospitals: Seismic Compliance - SUPPORT: Updates seismic compliance standards for hospitals including Providence St. Joseph, Providence Eureka General Hospital, Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, and Providence Cedar-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, ensuring they meet current safety requirements to protect public health.
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SB 1144 (Skinner): Marketplaces: Online Marketplaces - SUPPORT: Aims to regulate online marketplaces to ensure consumer protection and fair trading practices, aligning with our commitment to safe and ethical business practices.
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SB 1432 (Caballero): Health Facilities: Seismic Standards - SUPPORT: Modernizes seismic standards for health facilities, enhancing the resilience of essential infrastructure against earthquakes.
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SB 1447 (Durazo): Hospitals: Seismic Compliance: Children's Hospital Los Angeles - SUPPORT: Specifically focuses on improving seismic compliance at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, ensuring the safety of critical healthcare infrastructure for vulnerable populations.
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SB 915 (Cortese): Local Government: Autonomous Vehicle Service - OPPOSE: Imposes additional regulatory burdens on local governments managing autonomous vehicle services, potentially stifling local autonomy and innovation.
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SB 961 (Wiener): Vehicles: Safety Equipment - OPPOSE: Introduces specific mandates on vehicle safety equipment that could increase costs and complicate compliance for manufacturers.
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SB 1103 (Menjivar): Tenancy of Commercial Real Properties: Agreements: Operating Costs - OPPOSE: Could unfavorably alter the dynamics of commercial lease agreements, increasing costs and administrative burdens for property owners.
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SB 1116 (Durazo, Portantino): Unemployment Insurance: Trade Disputes: Eligibility for Benefits - OPPOSE: Extends unemployment benefits to workers in trade disputes, potentially encouraging prolonged labor conflicts and increasing costs for employers.
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SB 1193 (Menjivar): Airports: Leaded Aviation Gasoline - OPPOSE: Mandates the rapid phase-out of leaded aviation gasoline without providing viable alternatives, which could disrupt operations and impose significant costs on the aviation industry.
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SB 1205 (Laird): Workers’ Compensation: Medical Benefits - OPPOSE: Proposes changes to workers' compensation that could result in higher costs for businesses without proportionate benefits to workers.
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SB 1272 (Laird): Gift Certificates - OPPOSE: Imposes new regulations on gift certificates, potentially complicating sales processes and reducing flexibility for businesses.
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SB 1372 (Newman): Airports: Third-Party Vendors: Security Lanes - OPPOSE: Could impose unnecessary regulations on third-party vendors at airports, affecting efficiency and increasing operational costs.
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SB 1446 (Smallwood-Cuevas): Grocery Establishment and Retail Drug Establishment Employees: Self-Service Checkout - OPPOSE: Regulates the use of self-service checkout technology, potentially limiting efficiency and customer service options in retail settings.
As these bills continue through the legislative process, VICA remains committed to advocating for the priorities of the business community. We will keep you informed on developments and encourage your participation in our continued advocacy efforts.
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VICA Board of Directors Approves New Advocacy Positions | |
On Wednesday, the VICA Board of Directors approved new advocacy positions on two significant legislative proposals, addressing matters at both the city and federal level. | |
HR 7174 (Murphy): The EPIC Act - SUPPORT
The VICA Board supports HR 7174, also known as The EPIC Act, which seeks to address the discrepancies in Medicare price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by creating parity between small-molecule drugs and biologics. This legislation aims to adjust the negotiation timelines, which are currently shorter for small-molecule drugs, which are critical components in treating a wide range of health conditions.
The provisions of The EPIC Act propose extending the negotiation period for small molecule drugs from nine to 11 years, aligning more closely with the 13 years for biologics. This change intends to provide a more balanced approach in the Medicare system's price negotiations and includes a specification for retroactive application to the time of the IRA's original enactment.
HR 7174 encourages continued investment in the research and development of small-molecule drugs. By extending the negotiation timeline, the Act aims to promote innovation within the pharmaceutical industry and ensure the development of new and effective treatments.
This approach supports medical advancement and the availability of critical medications to patients, aligning with VICA's commitment to fostering a robust healthcare system and thriving economic environment.
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LA City Council: Ordinance to Ban Cashless Businesses - OPPOSE
The VICA Board opposes the LA City Council's proposed ordinance that mandates all Los Angeles retail establishments to accept cash payments. This ordinance is designed to enhance consumer choice and address economic disparities by ensuring that all residents, especially those with limited or no access to banking services, can engage in the local economy.
The ordinance would require all affected businesses to prominently display signs stating that cash is accepted and outlines several exemptions such as for online-only retailers and transactions over a certain value. While intended to promote inclusivity and prevent discrimination against cash-dependent consumers, these mandates will likely introduce significant logistical challenges and security concerns for businesses.
Requiring cash handling can detract from transaction efficiency and limit technological innovation in payment systems. VICA believes that while the goal of economic inclusivity is important, the potential negative impacts on business operations, customer experience, and innovation outweigh the proposed benefits, making the ordinance counterproductive to the interests of both businesses and consumers in Los Angeles.
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Watch VICA's 2024 Extraordinary Women in Leadership Breakfast | |
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We’re excited to announce that the 2024 Extraordinary Women in Leadership event is now available for viewing on YouTube. This event showcased inspiring stories and insightful discussions from some of the most influential women in our community.
Whether you missed the live event or want to revisit the robust conversations, you can now watch the entire session at your convenience. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and inspiration from leaders paving the way in their respective fields. Watch it now on YouTube!
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VICA Congressional Officeholders Breakfast
Thursday, May 30
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Burbank Airport Mariott
This event is a unique and fun opportunity to directly engage elected officials from Washington D.C., who represent the San Fernando Valley in a "Talk Show" format.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsor Amazon and
Co-Sponsors The Garland and SoCalGas.
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Congressman Tony Cárdenas | |
Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove | |
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VICA University: Cal/OSHA Update on New Requirements
Tuesday, June 4
8:30 to 10:30 AM
VICA Office
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VICA invites you to join us for this informative, 2-hour program with Cal/OSHA that will cover New and Proposed Regulations: Understand key updates, including the Workplace Violence Prevention and Emergency Silica Regulation, and prepare for compliance deadlines.
- New or Proposed Regulations – including Workplace Violence Prevention & Emergency Silica Regulation
- Emphasis Programs
- Top 10 Citations
- How Cal/OSHA Consultation Can Help You
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VICA 75th Birthday Bash
Friday, June 21
6:00 to 9:00 PM
Radford Studio Center
VICA turns 75! Come and celebrate this sparkling milestone with us. Enjoy a brilliant evening beneath the stars with drinks, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and music.
VICA thanks our 75th Anniversary Sponsors Cowe Communications, The Garland, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Mission Community Hospital, and Radford Studio Center, and Birthday Bash Sponsors Amazon, Bechtel, and Southwest Airlines.
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We are looking for fun and exciting raffle items to offer our guests! If you are interested in providing any, please contact Cathy@vica.com. | |
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Sports, Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality
Wednesday, June 5
8:30 to 10:30 am
At the VICA office
RSVP
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Energy, Environment, Manufacturing, & Utilities
Thursday, June 6
Noon to 2:00 PM
At the VICA office
RSVP
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Land Use
Tuesday, June 11
8:30 to 10:30 am
Sponsored by The Garland
RSVP
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Healthcare
Wednesday, June 12
Noon to 2:00 PM
At the VICA office
RSVP
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Thank You to Our Renewing Members! | |
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Kristina Oganezz
Director
Light Printing House
Light Printing House is located in Burbank. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest-quality printing services in the Los Angeles area. Our team of professionals is dedicated to helping businesses and individuals achieve their marketing and communication goals by producing high-quality, visually stunning prints.
Light Printing House has been the go-to printing company for businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations. Our extensive experience in the industry, coupled with our state-of-the-art equipment and technology, enables us to deliver exceptional printing services that exceed our clients’ expectations.
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LA Council Committee Advances Charter Reform Proposals
The Los Angeles City Council Ad Hoc Committee on City Governance approved recommendations to advance several proposed reforms to the City Charter. While some of these recommendations will be brought forward to the City Council at a future date to be finalized and placed on the November ballot, others are expected to be discussed by the new Charter Reform Commission. The city's attorney's office is drafting a measure for the November ballot to create a Charter Reform Commission that can review and update aspects of the City Charter.
Climate Programs Lose Billions in Governor Budget
Lawmakers and Environmental advocates are urging Governor Gavin Newsom to support a bond measure to help pay for billions of dollars in climate programs endangered by the state's record deficit and deepening budget cuts. The lobbying comes as an array of key climate programs- including efforts to combat rising seas and help low-income Californians buy electric cars- face significant cuts and delays as California seeks to close a $56 billion deficit over the next two fiscal years.
Newsom Budget, New Levies on Businesses
Governor Gavin Newsom's revised budget plan addresses a $44.9 billion deficit for 2024-25, with an additional projected gap of $28.4 billion for 2025-26. Newsom has opted for significant spending cuts, totaling nearly $34 billion over two years, rather than increasing taxes. These cuts impact services for low-income Californians, including in-home supportive services and housing programs. Newsom maintains his stance against new general tax hikes despite minor increases targeting corporations and healthcare providers, which have minimal effects on the deficit.
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City Council Expansion is Dead
Advocates have called for a city council expansion for years. Following 2022, there was momentum to make this change, hoping there would be something on the November ballot. However, the idea is quietly going to bed for now, with Council President Krekorian saying he plans to refer the idea of expanding the size of the council to a yet-to-be-created charter commission. Advocates say that increasing the council would better reflect the diversity of LA and allow residents more accessible representatives. Many have pointed to New York, with 51 council members, and Chicago, with 50.
Rick Scott's Bid for Senate GOP Leader
Florida Senator Rick Scott launched a bid Wednesday afternoon to succeed Mitch McConnell as the next Republican leader, telling colleagues he wants to make a "dramatic change" in the conference's operation. The first-term senator will face an uphill battle against Senate Minority Whip John Thune and Senator John Cornyn, a former whip himself. Scott lost a race to McConnell in 2022, but he won the backing of the conference's most conservative members. He's likely to have some of those members' support again this time.
AI Models Could Violate Antitrust Laws
FTC Chair Lina Khan has indicated that artificial intelligence (AI) models could violate antitrust laws if used anti-competitively. The FTC is particularly concerned about large technology firms leveraging AI tools to engage in exclusive dealings, discriminatory practices, or consolidating market power through mergers and acquisitions. Khan emphasized that there is no exemption for AI under existing laws and called for vigilance in enforcing antitrust regulations in the AI industry. The Biden administration's executive order also supports the promotion of fair competition in the AI sector.
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Get Your Message in VICA Weekly!
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 yoko@vica.com or call (818) 817-0545.
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ABOUT VICA
Presenting the business perspective on behalf of employers in the
San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas,
Hidden Hills, San Fernando and Santa Clarita.
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