Members Take Action!
CLCA members were active in the state capitol in mid-March, meeting with lawmakers and networking with colleagues during CLCA’s 2009 Grass Roots Training Session and Construction Industry Legislative Conference.
CLCA grass roots advocates educated lawmakers about three issues:
- The need for tougher penalties and vigorous enforcement of laws prohibiting unlicensed contracting;
- Workable and cost-effective performance standards for the use of water for landscaping, and
- Assembly Bill 1523, which would exempt the purchase of tangible personal property subject to a fixed price contract executed prior to April 1 from the temporary 1 percent increase in the sales tax enacted as part of the 2009 Budget Act.
Recognizing the importance of meeting with leaders of California’s green industry, lawmakers were eager to talk to CLCA members.
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) gave attendees solid advice on how to be an effective grass roots advocate: Talk to the lawmaker who represents you but be specific and realistic.
Assemblymember Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) updated attendees on reaction to the state water crisis, and noted that conservation will be "a huge piece of the solution."
2009 CLCA President Heath Bedal addresses the assembled contingency over dinner.
After dinner, Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced) voiced his support for the crucial contributions small businesses make to California's economy.
Accolades were also given to San Diego Deputy District Attorney Paul Greenwood, who was commended for his passion and dedication in protecting the integrity of the construction industry, the elderly and consumers who have been victimized by unscrupulous individuals in construction- related schemes. Greenwood has pioneered charging residential burglary, a felony, against unlicensed contractors who take money from unsuspecting individuals in their homes.
The following day, CILC attendees honored Assemblymember Dave Jones for his wortk to reform problems associated with legal defense obligations in residential construction.
After hearing updates from CSLB Registrar Steve Sands and other experts, attendees were off to the capitol to grab face-time with their district representatives.
CLCA member Leslie Corsbie (shaking hands with Assemblymember Dan Logue)
Chuck Carr (shown with the chief of staff to Sen. George Runner, the Republican Caucus Chair).