Ballot Measures

When the legislative process fails, pro-business and anti-business forces turn to the initiative process to take proposals directly to California voters. The California Chamber of Commerce has led the charge on behalf of the employer community for close to four decades.

As a practical matter, the CalChamber’s chief executive is recruited to chair major initiative campaigns, to lead the fundraising and to serve as spokesperson for these important efforts.

The CalChamber has been extremely successful with the support of the broader employer community. CalChamber has backed initiatives to enact tax relief and tort reform, and make politicians more accountable to voters. We have successfully challenged split roll property tax proposals and defeated security litigation.

We will continue to lead efforts to fight anti-business proposals, including those that threaten to increase taxes, health care expenses and frivolous lawsuits.

The California Business Political Action Committee (CalBusPAC) was established in 1976 to qualify, support and/or oppose statewide ballot initiatives. Contributions to CalBusPAC will aid California employers in preparing for future ballot battles.

Informing your employees and stockholders about the impact of proposed state legislation, regulations and ballot measures is within your rights as a business owner. Just remember to do it the right way.

• Guidelines for Political Communications to Employees