More than 110 business leaders attended State Advocacy Day on June 18, continuing advocacy started on Capitol-to-Capitol Trip for the Metro Chamber's leading priorities of flood protection, transportation and economic development, health care, workforce development and education, and land use and natural resources.

“It was great to see so many Sacramento Metro Chamber members take part in this year's program,” said event co-chair Deborah Pacyna of Fleishman-Hillard. “It’s so important for us to remain in dialogue with all of our regional lawmakers.”

This year’s State Advocacy Day was a prime example of regional collaboration and cooperation at its best. 79 meetings were held by Metro Chamber participants with elected representatives and state agency officials—more than double the number of meetings held in 2007.

“Convening regional business leaders, policy experts, government representatives and our elected officials to discuss key policy issues, is a critical component in determining future regional prosperity,” said Kelly Brenk, Metro Chamber governmental affairs manager.

“By fostering collaborative and open relationships with our civic leaders and leading the charge for innovative economic development policy, common sense budget practices and investment in critical infrastructure as our delegation did on State Advocacy Day, we can work together in an effective manner to shape the direction of our region,” said Matt Yancey, Metro Chamber director of business and economic development.

Participants heard from Senators Dave Cox, R-Sacramento, and Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, who notably agreed that a balanced approached to solving the state’s budget problems was needed and CalChamber CEO Allan Zaremberg.

Also speaking were and political party gurus Roger Salazar, political consultant, California Democratic Party, and Kevin Spillane, political consultant, California Republican Party in a q-and-a session moderated by KCRA Channel 3/KQCA 58 reporter Kevin Riggs.

Among the speakers’ noteworthy comments:

• Sen. Darrell Steinberg—The state’s tax system “doesn’t work” as it’s overly reliant on personal income tax; lowering the sales tax rate and extending to some services might be better.
• Sen. Dave Cox—Encouraged businesspeople to come to the State Capitol on a regular basis and communicate to elected representatives frequently.
• CalChamber CEO Allan Zaremberg—States that have established a sales tax on services have eventually repelled it. “It’s not closing a tax loop hole, it’s increasing costs…8 percent.
• Democratic Party consultant Roger Salazar—The next governor of California will be Jerry Brown. “You can throw anything at him and nothing sticks to him.”
• GOP Party consultant Kevin Spillane: Sen. John McCain will campaign in California. “He doesn’t want to lose the state.”

More details of the State Advocacy Day, including meeting summary excerpts will be posted soon at metrochamber.org.