Regional business leaders will be at the State Capitol on June 10, tackling issues that affect all California businesses, including new on and off-road diesel engine rules, incentives for energy efficiency, support of rural tourism, renewal of the Williamson act and recycled water rules.

Approximately 150 top business and civic leaders from the six-county region are expected at the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s annual State Legislative Summit. Throughout a day of more than 80 meetings with elected and government officials, business people will advocate for sensible implementation of climate change rules for business, funds for critical flood protection projects and health care reform as well as other issues of regional significance. The summit concludes with a reception recognizing state legislators.

They will also hear an inside view of the state’s current financial condition from two of California’s state senators who are experts on the state budget: Republican Sen. Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, and Democratic Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny, D-San Diego.

Maldonado cast the deciding vote on the state budget solution. As part of the final budget solution, the senator negotiated the elimination of the gasoline tax increase as well as other reform proposals.

On the other side of the aisle, Ducheny is Chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. She has been referred to by many in the State Capitol as the “only elected official remaining that really understands how the budget works.” Maldonado and Ducheny will speak at lunchtime.

Among the top issues the Metro Chamber will advocate on during the Legislative Summit are:

• Support for growth of Sacramento’s clean energy sector,

• Protection of local government redevelopment funds,

• Improvement of airport safety from wildlife strikes,

• Passage of bills that support energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements,

• Continued funding of enterprise zone tax credits,

• Support of changes to HR 1 to safeguard regional economic benefits of tourism and impacts on rural, economic development

• Support of many bills and measures to improve the region’s flood protection and safety, and

• Support of education and job readiness program for foster youth.

“If any of the issues touch your business, we urge you to join the Metro Chamber on June 10,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. “For business and the region, these issues are all imperative, and we need a powerful presence from business to make our points.”

Mahood also added that the Metro Chamber will urge elected officials to resolve the state budget crisis, by

• Tightening its belt and identifying ways to operate more effectively and efficiently,

• Focusing on priorities that will support a stronger economy, and

• Placing jobs and economic growth as the highest priority in all decisions.

“Just the issue of the state’s budget crisis—which threatens the region’s economic well-being—is reason enough to be at the table, and the Metro Chamber State Legislative Summit offers businesses high visibility with their peers and among government leaders while providing a valuable service to the region,” Mahood said.

Information on the State Legislative Summit Day policy initiatives and the event day itinerary can be found at metrochamber.org/events.

The all-day event will be based at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento. Cost is $175 for Metro Chamber members and $225 for nonmembers. Register online at metrochamber.org/events. Individual tickets for the legislators recognition reception, being held in partnership with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, are also available—$35 for members and $60 for nonmembers. For more event information, contact Chantal LeFevre at 916-319-4260 or clefevre@metrochamber.org.