Californians have a lot to be proud of. Our beautiful state is flush with talent and resources, history and potential, a landscape and a climate quite unlike any other state in the union. Yet there are certain things that make many a local shake their heads in disbelief. Quite often, this bewilderment is the result of well-intentioned public policy gone astray.
Hoping to literally cash in on such public sentiment, Texas Gov. Rick Perry will pay the Golden State a visit next week in an effort to lure away entrepreneurs unhappy with the state’s business climate. While this isn’t his first attempt at such poaching, there may be more receptive ears this time around.
A common refrain the business community has often expressed is that burdensome taxes and regulation too often act as a hindrance to progress and expansion. Taxes and regulation, they say, are the bane of their existence. Nor is there any expectation that Gov. Jerry Brown will ease their suffering anytime soon.
Citing his state’s “low taxes, sensible regulations and fair legal system,” Perry has taken to the state’s airwaves to make his case in advance of his arrival. Likewise Brown has found himself countering Perry’s parries, hyping the state’s burgeoning green energy industry and dismissing the Texan’s claims outright.
In some respects Brown may not have to worry too much. Business relocations are not as common as one might think. From 1992 to 2006, just 1 percent of all job gains and 1.7 percent of all job losses in the state were the result of business relocations, according a 2010 study by the Public Policy Institute of California.
Yet, as the state looks to right itself and make economic gains during a time of duress, the choices made become all the more critical. An expected attempt to overhaul the California Environmental Quality Act this legislative session looks to become a battle royale if initial commentary is any indication. Already three former California governors have weighed in, calling for a modernization of the 40-year-old law that would allow for adequate environmental stewardship yet expedite economic recovery. We too are hoping such an agreement can be reached.
THE ISSUE: California’s business climate
WE SAY: Finding the right balance is crucial, urgent.
WHAT DO YOU SAY? Send us your thoughts on this topic to www.ivpressonline.com/letterstotheeditor
Hoping to literally cash in on such public sentiment, Texas Gov. Rick Perry will pay the Golden State a visit next week in an effort to lure away entrepreneurs unhappy with the state’s business climate. While this isn’t his first attempt at such poaching, there may be more receptive ears this time around.
A common refrain the business community has often expressed is that burdensome taxes and regulation too often act as a hindrance to progress and expansion. Taxes and regulation, they say, are the bane of their existence. Nor is there any expectation that Gov. Jerry Brown will ease their suffering anytime soon.
Citing his state’s “low taxes, sensible regulations and fair legal system,” Perry has taken to the state’s airwaves to make his case in advance of his arrival. Likewise Brown has found himself countering Perry’s parries, hyping the state’s burgeoning green energy industry and dismissing the Texan’s claims outright.
In some respects Brown may not have to worry too much. Business relocations are not as common as one might think. From 1992 to 2006, just 1 percent of all job gains and 1.7 percent of all job losses in the state were the result of business relocations, according a 2010 study by the Public Policy Institute of California.
Yet, as the state looks to right itself and make economic gains during a time of duress, the choices made become all the more critical. An expected attempt to overhaul the California Environmental Quality Act this legislative session looks to become a battle royale if initial commentary is any indication. Already three former California governors have weighed in, calling for a modernization of the 40-year-old law that would allow for adequate environmental stewardship yet expedite economic recovery. We too are hoping such an agreement can be reached.
THE ISSUE: California’s business climate
WE SAY: Finding the right balance is crucial, urgent.
WHAT DO YOU SAY? Send us your thoughts on this topic to www.ivpressonline.com/letterstotheeditor
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