Business Lobbies Unleashed a Strong Defense This Year

Any sports analyst will tell you that no team gets to the World Series or Super Bowl without a strong defense. Success as a Capitol lobbyist works much the same way. You may not get every one of your favored bills passed, but you’d better be able to vigorously defend against those who target your clients or constituents.

Nobody played better defense at the Capitol this year than the state’s top business lobbies, led by the formidable California Chamber of Commerce and the California Manufacturers Assn.

The groups labeled 57 bills, mostly introduced by Democrats, as “job killers” and spearheaded successful attacks against them; not one was signed into law.

Among the measures targeted was SB 202 by Sen. Hilda Solis (D-El Monte). The bill would have increased unemployment benefits by an estimated $400 million. The bill was vetoed by Gov. Pete Wilson, who proved the ultimate back-court defender. In his veto message, Wilson said the bill would cost the state at least $11 million to $12 million annually just in administrative costs.

“Those are his supporters, those are the people who give money to his campaigns,” said Solis of Wilson’s allegiance to business interests.

Only 11 of the 57 bills on the business hit list ever reached the governor’s desk.

AB 278, introduced by Assemblywoman Martha Escutia (D-Bell) earlier this year, sought tougher state air and water quality standards to safeguard the health of infants and children. Although it passed both houses, it returned to the Assembly after changes were made and died there.

A combination of well-coordinated attacks by business lobbyists; the election of more than 30 new legislators, many of whom will be facing close--read expensive--reelection contests; and a fractious Democratic majority in the Assembly all are cited as reasons Big Business was able to beat back measures deemed unfriendly to its interests.

The Chamber of Commerce and its allies even scaled back a planned $500,000 “job killer” bill media blitz because of favorable conditions at the Capitol.

“We were very successful,” said Allan Zaremberg, who will take over as president of the California Chamber of Commerce next year. “I think we can be very satisfied with our efforts this year.”

Hot Bills

* Funds for Coastal Access

Bottom Line: Establishes a new state bank account where coastal development permit fees will be redirected and deposited, earmarking the funds for grants to public agencies and nonprofit groups to provide greater public access to beaches.

Chances: The governor signed SB 72 this month after it passed the Senate on a 38-0 vote in June and cleared the Assembly on a 74-4 vote in September.

Next Step: Takes effect Jan. 1.

Details: SB 72 author Bruce McPherson (R-Santa Cruz) can be reached at (916) 445-5843 .

* Spray Paint Reprieve

Bottom Line: A change in state law last year would have accidentally given the Air Resources Board the authority to ban spray paint. This measure, to the relief of aerosol paint manufacturers and retailers, corrects the mistake.

Chances: SB 987 cleared the Senate on 37-0 vote in May and cleared the Assembly by a 79-0 margin before gaining the governor’s signature.

Next Step: Takes effect Jan. 1.

Details: SB 987 author Byron Sher (D-Stanford) can be reached at (916) 445-6747.