Metalworking Industry News: 2004
Nov 17, CMC acknowledgement letter for actively supporting Prop 64. (download)
- Nov 2, Proposition 72 defeated narrowly, effectively extinguishing the mandatory health care bill passed in 2003 (SB 2). If Prop 72 was not rejected, businesses with 200+ workers would've been forced to provide mandatory health care to all employees by 2006. Businesses with 50-199 employees by 2007. And businesses with 20-49 employees when a partial tax credit was established.
- Nov 2, Proposition 64 passes with nearly 60% of the vote, an overwhelming victory that had major support from the CMC. Prop 64 will help stop the legal practice of shakedown lawsuits, in which private lawyers file suits without any client or any evidence of harm. This turns lawyers into bounty hunters, stalking innocent small businesses that create jobs and opportunity in California.
- Oct 18, CMC quoted in California Environmental Insider with opposition to the repeal of OEHHA's Rule 12901. (download)
- Sept 30, Last day for the Governor to approve or veto a bill.
- Sept 25, Governor vetoes CMC-opposed AB 2006, a measure that would have required the CPUC to approve rates that cover all utility company investments, even cost overruns.
- Sept 18, Governor vetoes CMC-opposed AB 2832, a measure that would have increased the minimum wage law.
- CMC opposes AB 2832 which would increase state minimum wage to $7.25 in 2005 and to $7.75 in 2006. (Read Letter)
- Aug 11, Governor signs into law SB 1809, which beneficially reforms the 2003 "Sue Your Boss" bill, which allowed employees and their attorneys to directly sue for any alleged labor and wage law violation. CMC actively supported this measure.
- July 20, CMC attends hearing and submits comments to OEHHA regarding proposed rule changes to Section 12901, a matter relating to Prop 65. (more info)
- CMC endorses and hosts fundraiser for state Assembly candidate Ernie Konnyu (R) in San Jose on July 14. Konnyu is working to unseat incumbent Rebecca Cohn (D) for the 24th District Seat. (photos). For more information on the race visit: www.gokonnyu.com.
- CMC opposes AB 2006 (Nunez-D), a bill that would essentially provide the state's utility monopolies an exclusive deal to provide for California's energy needs, and create a market structure with no public checks and balances. CMC supports an open, fair and transparent market where companies openly compete to drive down costs for the ratepayers. This system would not exclude California’s utilities from constructing and operating power plants, it would simply require them to compete with independent generators on a level playing field.
- November ballot referendum (Prop 64) would close the 17200 loophole that allows personal injury lawyers to file lawsuits and demand attorneys' fees from California businesses although no one has been injured, damaged or misled in the marketplace. CMC has joined the coalition to pass this initiative and urges members to become involved. More info: (Stop the Shakedown Lawsuits).
- November ballot referendum (Prop 72) would repeal the mandatory health care bill, SB 2 (Burton-D), if rejected by voters. CMC joined the coalition to oppose this initiative and urges members to become involved. More info: (Coalition for Californians Against Government Run Healthcare).
- CMC member Lodi Iron Works in the news...(read story).
- CMC affiliate, the California Foundry History Institute (CFHI), announces the grand opening of its second museum saluting workers, wonders of metal casters. (Read Article).
- CMC 2004 ANNUAL MEETING: Embassy Suites Downtown Sacramento, May 20-21 (See Flier!)
- CMC makes alliance with the Small Business Action Committee (SBAC) in a common fight to bring back a business-friendly California state government.
- April 19; Next wave of workers' comp reforms signed into law by Governor (SB 899). CMC works on how bill will be implemented so legislation can result in real savings for metalworking companies (Read CMC Bulletin).
- April 16; At approximately noon today, the California State Senate adopted SB 899 (Poochigian) on a 33-3 vote. Earlier, the Assembly passed the bill 77-3. The bill was passed on an urgency basis, which means it will take effect immediately. This is another important step towards rate relief for metalworking companies in California. See bill analysis: SB 899.
- April 16; Write your legislator and urge him/her to pass SB 899, the workers' comp reform bill. At the bottom of this page is a link to find your state representative.
- April 14; After significant work on workers' comp reform language, special hearing to be held today. Listen: Conference Committee on WORKERS' COMPENSATION Senator Alarcon and Assembly Member Vargas, Chairs (Upon adjournment of Labor and Industrial Relations Committee or 11 a.m.)
- March 29; The stakes couldn't be higher for workers' comp reform in California. CMC members urged to contact legislators. CMC main points: (A) Standards for disability awards (B) Stricter guidelines for permanent-partial disabilities (C) Fraud.
- March 26; CMC lobbyists continue urgent pressure for workers' compensation reform. If a deal is reached before March 31st, savings could be seen as soon as July 2004.
-March 5; CMC supports and urges membership to support ballot measure to reform workers' compensation reform. Measure would appear on November 2004 ballot. (Sign Petition).
- CMC joins and supports the National Coalition for Advanced Manufacturing, as well as the National Coalition for a Sound Dollar.
- CMC joins and supports the National Coalition for the Future of Manufacturing.
- March 3; CMC sends another wave of letters to every member of the California Legislature pushing for immediate workers' compensation reform. (read letter)
- CMC member Gregg Industries, El Monte, hosts facility tour for Senator Gloria Romero and discusses issues such as workers' comp reform. (photos)
- CMC President and lobbyist participate in business roundtable with Assembly Floor Leader Marco Firebaugh and South Gate Mayor Hector De La Torre in Southern California. (photos)
- CMC lobbyists provide testimony on behalf of metalworking industry at Feb 11 Assembly Insurance Committee hearing.
- CMC lobbyists participate in Feb 5-6 Workers' Compensation Forum in Long Beach and meet with Insurance Commissioner Garamendi and Senator Alarcon, Chairman of the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. (photos)
- CMC joins and supports the Workers' Compensation Action Network (WCAN)
- CMC joins and supports the Coalition for California Jobs (Jobs 1st)
- CMC supports Proposition 58 for the March ballot which would include state budget reserve requirements and limits on future borrowing to finance budget deficits. (more info)
- CMC supports Proposition 57 for the March ballot to allow the state of California to borrow 15 billion dollars through the sale of bonds to provide financing for California's budget deficit.(more info)
- CMC opposes Proposition 56 for the March 2004 ballot. Measure would allow taxes to be increased with only 55% vote of legislature. Current law is 2/3 majority vote of legislature. (more info)
- CMC supports Governor Schwarzenegger's workers' compensation reform package for 2004.
- CMC provides testimony in defense of Metal Casting Storm Water Monitoring Group, Inc. at storm water permit hearing.
- CMC pushes legislation which would require state agencies to give priority to the bid for the sale of metal castings that are substantially all made in California. SB 729 (Perata)
