GSBE Business Update 01/11/2021
GOV MADE THREE APPOINTMENTS TO CAL/OSHA STANDARDS BOARD
Filling a long-time vacancy on the Cal/OSHA Standard Board, Governor Newsom named construction safety professional Kathleen “Kate” Crawford to the position. The seat has been vacant since 2018.
Crawford fills the open seat on the seven-member board and is the second management representative. Director of safety and health at Hensel Phelps Construction since 2015, Crawford is a familiar face in the Cal/OSHA community. She has been an active participant in many rulemaking projects. Previously, she was director of safety and regulatory affairs at Associated General Contractors of California; safety director at Turner Construction; and safety manager at SKANSKA USA Building.
Reappointed are two members: Labor member David Harrison, financial secretary for Operating Engineers Local 3; and occupational safety member Laura Stock, director of UC Berkeley’s Labor Occupational Health Program. See board here.
CHALLENGES FOR NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Governor Newsom is heading into the new year with a reshaped administration, a $2 billion plan to accelerate school reopenings and the likely intention of fending off a recall movement that has recently attracted big donors. The governor on Friday will likely unveil his 2021-22 budget — one that will take into account both the good news of a one-time $26 billion surplus and the bad news of no aid from the federal government.
NEW SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF PROGRAM – UP TO $25,000 GRANT AVAILABLE
- $500 million in grants is available for small businesses and nonprofits that have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and associated health & safety restrictions. Thank you San Jose Chamber for compiling information on the new grant program!
- Administered by California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), with under-served micro and small businesses, as well as nonprofits, eligible for grants up to $25,000.
- Applications are open and closes Friday, January 8, 2021.
- Apply at CAReliefGrant.com.
- The State has also announced additional assistance, including Tax Relief as well as the California Rebuilding Fund.
FORMER SAN DIEGO MAYOR KEVIN FAULCONER LAUNCHES GUBERNATORIAL EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE
Faulconer – whose 6-year term as San Diego’s mayor ended last month – posted on Twitter Monday morning that he had launched a gubernatorial exploratory committee to help determine whether he should run for the state’s leadership position. “No better way to ring in the New Year than taking the first step in turning around California,” Faulconer’s message read. “I want you to be part of this California comeback.” Read more here.
LEGACY OF A CLEAN-AIR CZAR
Mary Nichols, who spearheaded California’s war on smog and built the state’s landmark climate change program, stepped down Dec. 31 as chair of the powerful California Air Resources Board after more than a decade on the job.
NEWSOM APPOINTS WEBER TO SOS
Governor Newsom announced that he will submit to the State Legislature the nomination of San Diego Assemblymember and Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, Dr. Shirley N. Weber, as the next California Secretary of State, filling the seat that will be vacated by Secretary of State Alex Padilla once he assumes office in the United States Senate. We are still awaiting who Newsom will select for CA’ Attorney General. Read more here.
MIN WAGE INCREASE
Effective January 1, 2021, the minimum wage in California will increase to $14.00 per hour. Read more here.