Upcoming 2013-2014 Legislative Session

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With Democratic supermajorities in both the California State Senate and Assembly, the 2013-2014 Legislative Session promises to be filled with policy and political challenges. A supermajority in both legislative houses gives Democrats the power to control not only tax measures but constitutional amendments and urgency legislation, which are bills meant to take effect immediately. It also gives them the ability to override the Governor’s vetoes.

Needless to say, the business community is extremely concerned about what this new power structure in the legislature might mean for the economic vitality of the State. However, Democratic leadership has given assurances that they will not abuse this new found power by unduly raising taxes and creating more regulatory burdens on businesses. Despite these assurances, many business interests remain skeptical.

CLFP and other business groups will focus their attention on the "Moderate Democrat Caucus," which is made up of business friendly Democrat legislators, largely from the Central Valley. With the Republicans now being on the sidelines of major policy decisions, the moderate Democrats will be especially key to curtailing the advancement of legislative measures that could be detrimental to the business climate in California. They will also be instrumental in moving measures forward that will provide much needed regulatory relief to businesses.

CLFP staff will be busy in the coming months reaching out to the newly elected members of the Legislature and educating them about the food processing industry in California. In addition, CLFP staff, with the help of the Government Affairs Committee, will pour through the thousands of newly introduced bills and identify and prioritize those measures that will impact the food processing industry in California.
Legislators have until the end of February to introduce new legislation. Policy committee hearings will begin in March.

The CLFP Government Affairs Committee has been reinvigorated and is playing an important role in helping set the priorities and policy direction for the League. The committee also assists in the organization of the CLFP Day at the Capitol. Please contact Trudi Hughes or Allyson Rathkamp if you are interested in participating on this committee.

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