Partners in Democracy Business Communities Recognize the Value of Local Services

摘要

"Clearly, there's a strong connection between the infrastructure provided by local governments and business survival and growth," said Jay Hockaday, executive director of the Eureka Chamber of Commerce. "There's a true budget crisis in California, and the bottom line is: Critical services that support business are being negatively impacted across the state." Hockaday's sentiments are echoed in business communities throughout California. In addition to such hot-button issues as workers' compensation and unemployment insurance, businesses are reacting to state grabs of local funding that reduce services in their communities. From public safety to planning and redevelopment projects, public services impact the well-being of businesses in a community. Cuts to local budgets often prompt higher fees for local businesses seeking new or renewed licenses and permits. The combined effect is not only instability in local finance but, according to many business leaders, an increasingly burdensome climate for businesses in the state. These concerns have led to strong support from local chambers of commerce and other business groups for the LOCAL coalition's efforts to qualify a statewide ballot measure that would strengthen constitutional protections for local revenues.