Jobs

California used to be a leader in industry and innovation. Today we are leading in unemployment. I believe our state must return to the business friendly environment it once was. Doing so will stimulate economic growth and create new jobs. Just look at the figures in the chart shown below.

Since this chart was created, current unemployment has soared to over 12% statewide, continuing the disparity between California and the rest of the nation.

graph

Jobs must remain a central concern for the leadership in Sacramento. To this end we must not only develop new industries but also be sure that we keep businesses in California profitable. Decreasing the onerous restrictions, regulations, and tax burdens that have been placed on the business community must be a priority. With these steps, California will again become the unparalleled leader in the national job market.

California has traditionally been a leader in new ideas and technologies; we must continue to do so. Leading the charge on development and training for the burgeoning green technology market should be a central component in this equation.

To help achieve this goal, I am a member of E3, a Republican Task Force on the Environment, Energy and the Economy. The E3 Task Force was of particular interest to me because I see the marriage of economic interests and environmental industries as a huge benefit to the state. We should be actively pursuing policies that encourage growth of green industries. This will bring jobs and new industries to California.

An important component of bringing jobs to California is improving the state’s career-technical education programs. The current high school drop-out rate in California is around 30%. Among high school graduates, only one in four will actually obtain a college degree. So what happens to everyone else? Letting kids drop out or graduate from high school without any job skills is short-sighted. Offering career tech classes can help keep kids in school, prepare them for the work force and meet the employment needs of many businesses. California businesses are experiencing a shortage of technically-skilled workers. As that shortage grows, businesses will find it more and more difficult to remain competitive in California without skilled workers. Improving technical education is an investment we should make.

This web portal is designed as a clearinghouse of information on this issue. It is my hope that the links provided will enable you to find the information you need to keep informed on this important topic.

Legislation

Republicans have many ideas to restore the economy and bring jobs to California. Some current legislative proposals include measures to allow for flexibility in the work place. Employees and employers should have the freedom to determine a mutually beneficial work schedule. Other measures are aimed at reducing bureaucratic red tape and reforming workers compensation rules so that genuine claims are expedited and disallowed claims are closed out.