Declaring that California’s economic recovery is critical to the success of the nation as a whole, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today unveiled a California Jobs and Growth Agenda, which will outline a path forward for the state and advocate for new policies to spur a “California comeback.” The program will be promoted through a substantial statewide media, education, and grassroots advocacy campaign.

“America’s economy cannot fully recover unless and until California recovers,” said Thomas J. Donohue, the Chamber’s president and CEO. “This can only happen if the state breaks its addiction to excessive government while acting decisively to reverse a serious erosion of its business reputation.”

The Chamber’s initiative includes the release of an in-depth study outlining the competitive challenges and economic changes that are reshaping California’s job market. The study, along with the Chamber’s recommendations, can be found on a new interactive website, www.thecaliforniacomeback.com.

“California has a tremendous capacity to create jobs in trade, tourism, energy, infrastructure, and IP-related industries, while revitalizing its small business sector,” Donohue added. “Yet other economies with much less to offer are doing far better. It’s time to seriously address the reasons why.

“With chronic double digit unemployment, perennial budget deficits, one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, and mounting evidence that businesses large and small are fleeing the state, the course California must follow is clear—end the addiction to government spending, reform public employee pensions, and rein in excessive regulations and lawsuits.

“If the Golden State can break out of the vicious, failed cycle of tax, spend, borrow, regulate, and sue, then there is no question that we will see a California comeback,” Donohue concluded.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
For information visit: www.uschamber.com -- www.freeenterprise.com