Measure Dealing with Workplace Chemicals Set for Policy Hearing
Assembly Bill 515 by Assemblywoman Sally Lieber (D-Mountain View) is set for hearing in the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee on Wednesday, June 27.  The measure would require that chemicals used in the workplace have new permissible exposure limits (PELs) set based on recommendations by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA).  However, OEHHA’s PEL setting process does not allow industry input and CHI believes that the new PEL settings would be difficult, if not impossible, for industry to comply with. View CHI’s opposition letter.

Democrats Advance Health Care Plan
On Thursday, democratic legislative leaders announced they have bridged minor differences and combined health care proposals that would require employers to spend 7.5 percent of payroll costs on health care.  In the biggest development, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) agreed with Assembly Speaker Fabian Nùñez (D-Los Angeles), to reject Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal that everyone in the state be required to obtain insurance.  During the morning news conference, Speaker Nùñez stated that the Legislature would have the entire summer to negotiate aspects of the bill that still need to be ironed out with the governor and their Republican colleagues. One aspect deals with mandated “fees” on employers and whether these fees are considered a tax, thus requiring a two-thirds vote to pass the Legislature.  Schwarzenegger and the democratic leaders have insisted the new levies on employers are fees and therefore exempt from the two-thirds vote mandate. However, some health care advocates are concerned this will not pass legal muster and that a two-thirds vote will be required.

Candidates Emerging to Replace Senate Minority Leader
The unofficial campaign to replace Senate Minority Leader Dick Ackerman is under way.  Senate GOP sources expect Ackerman to step aside after this year’s budget is settled.  Among the front-runners to replace him are Sen. George Runner (R-Lancaster) and Sen. Dave Cogdill (R-Fresno).  Caucus insiders say both have privately expressed an interest in the position, although neither is commenting publicly.  The vote on the minority leader position is likely to come after the 2007-08 budget is approved.  Under the constitution, the Legislature-approved budget is supposed to be sent to the governor by June 15.  That deadline has not been met, as lawmakers continue negotiations.  Depending on the timing of the budget’s passage, the soonest that the leadership vote could take place is before July 20, when the Senate begins its summer recess. 

Biz/Bio Event To Be Held in Los Angeles Next Week
The state’s leading life science, business and economic development experts will come together on Thursday, June 28 in Los Angeles to discuss the state of the industry in California and our future as a leader in bioscience innovation in the U.S.  Among those scheduled to speak will be Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.  For information on the event or to register, visit www.cabizbio.org.