California has many fine attributes that should make it attractive to business. It is located on the Pacific Ocean, with deep water ports that are served by rail and highway systems that connect it and the United States to the rest of the world. We have large airports that are mostly unaffected by weather, and a climate that is virtually perfect for any business, especially agriculture. Through initial partnerships with universities, we have developed significant semiconductor and bio-tech industries that have led to an entrepreneurial spirit that is the envy of the world.
However, too-much regulation, taxation, and an overall unfriendly business climate that encompasses special interests to a seemingly adverse judicial system at all levels has chased industries away. This includes airplane, automobile, defense, and many other manufacturing industries. It is very common for successful entrepreneurs to exit themselves and their businesses from California when they begin to generate significant revenues to increase profitability in less burdensome states or to personally avoid high taxes in California. Regardless of the reason, we need to work to keep what we have here, especially agriculture, and attract new businesses and industries to the state.
My plan for job creation includes a dramatic shift in attitude and environment that finds reasons to be in business in California:
· Stop enacting new regulations that stifle business and repeal those already in place. For too long we have been making it difficult to operate businesses profitability because of costly regulations that other states and countries do not have.
· Reduce taxes and fees that businesses pay. Like too many regulations, taxes and fees that are too high drive businesses away. It is better for California to have more businesses that employ many people in diverse industries.
· Encourage initial and continued investment in California. Giving companies credits for research & development expenditures (without any strings attached) encourages the hiring of high paying jobs such as engineering, scientists, and software developers.
The goal is to increase the number of private sector jobs in California. The means to get there is to increase production of goods, food, and services. Any regulations that impact these means must take into account what is fair to all those affected, and include well thought-out economic impact analysis. Scientific analysis must be complete and stand up to scrutiny by panels of unbiased experts that agree with conclusions. When there is uncertainty, regulations must not be enacted until there is a firm conclusion.
Actions such as the above will make California competitive with other states and stop giving businesses a reason to leave our state.
|