|  Supervisor Carmen Chu speaks with SF Works Executive Director
Carrier Portis at SUPES for Lunch
Supervisor Chu Speaks Up on Hybrid Elections – Chamber members heard from District 4 Supervisor Carmen Chu last Thursday at SUPES for Lunch. Supervisor Chu discussed the city budget, outsourcing city services to local businesses, and a hybrid system of elections, among other issues. “I’m tempted to say a hybrid election system would work, but there are a lot of questions to be thought through before putting something like that on the ballot,” Chu said. Ten years after San Francisco moved from citywide to district elections, the Chamber’s recent CityBeat poll showed support for a hybrid system in which seven supervisors are elected from districts and four are elected citywide. Contact Rob Black at rblack@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8844.
Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Bills Easing Transit Budget Woes – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed two Chamber-supported bills Monday freeing-up $400 million in fuel-tax revenue this fiscal year and $350 million next fiscal year to California transit operators. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is estimated to receive $36 million in the current year and $31 million beginning in July 2011. “A critical component to our economic vitality is the mobility provided by our public transit system,” said Chamber Senior Vice President Jim Lazarus. “The Governor’s actions will provide immediate assistance to MUNI that may help avert looming fare increases and service cuts.” Read more 
Chamber Members Bring Broadband to Underserved Communities – Chamber members including AT&T, Comcast and Microsoft joined with other business partners Tuesday to form the Digital Adoption Coalition to bring broadband services to low-income homes across the country. The coalition will provide digital literacy training, affordable computers and access to online tools and resources to foster broadband adoption. “This partnership will enable greater opportunities for growth in communities large and small,” said Microsoft Vice President, U.S. Public Sector, Curt Kolcun. “AT&T is proud to be part of such a strong group of companies committed to improving the lives of millions of Americans,” said AT&T Senior Vice President, Federal Regulatory, Robert Quinn. Read more
Chamber Issues Challenge to Boost Census Participation – In a nationwide effort to increase 2010 Census participation, the Chamber is challenging chambers of commerce in five California urban centers to boost mail-in participation. “A complete Census count is not only vital to California communities, it saves taxpayer dollars,” said Chamber President & CEO Steve Falk. If 100 percent of U.S. households mailed back their Census forms, taxpayers would save $1.5 billion, according to the Census Bureau. Click here for daily updates on San Francisco’s participation and mail back your 2010 Census form today. Contact Gwen Oldham at goldham@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8839.
State Lawmakers Voice Support for SF-style Economic Impact Analysis – Members of the California Senate Rules Committee expressed support for an economic impact analysis of proposed legislation, a concept proposed by the Chamber and modeled after Proposition 1 passed by San Francisco voters in 2004. “Now is the time for Sacramento to follow San Francisco’s lead when it comes to the economic review of new legislation impacting jobs and the economy,” said Chamber Senior Vice President Jim Lazarus. The Chamber-supported bill proposed by Senator Tom Harman calls for an economic review on any proposal estimated to generate a fiscal impact of $10,000 or more on small business or $50,000 or more on any other business. Contact Jim Lazarus at jlazarus@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8810.
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Get Help Preparing for New Cargo Screening Mandate |
All businesses that ship cargo on passenger aircraft must prepare for new cargo shipping mandates effective August 2010. In accordance with the 9/11 Act enacted by Congress, 100 percent of air cargo flown on passenger aircraft must be screened. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has developed a Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) providing businesses with opportunities to screen cargo cost-effectively and efficiently where it is packaged and in-house. More information on CCSP and other TSA resources are available at Town Hall meetings April 28 and 29 in San Francisco. Read more Register
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Get Tax Credits for your Employees |
State law now requires employers to notify all eligible workers about Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC). Chamber partner SF Works helps San Francisco employees access significant savings through their entitled tax credits including: EITC worth from $457 to $5600 (depending on income and family size) and a San Francisco Working Families Tax Credit worth up to $125. Workers earning under $52,000 annually are eligible for free tax preparation. Contact 415.217.5181 or staff@sfworks.org. Read more |
