Thread: CA: Lawmakers speak on issues facing state at Simi event

Lawmakers speak on issues facing state at Simi event

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* By Michelle Willer-Allred
* Posted October 24, 2009 at 12:01 a.m.

State Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Moorpark, said Friday California must provide a more business-friendly climate like other states are adopting to maintain its economic viability.

Speaking in front of business members and local politicians during a Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce State of the State address at the Lost Canyons Golf Club, Strickland said California is the highest-tax state in the nation and still has too many regulations that are driving businesses away.

Strickland, one of several people to speak at the event, said California continues to compete against states such as Texas and Florida that are offering more incentives for companies to move there.

The relocation of businesses out of California has contributed to a 12.2 percent unemployment rate, the highest since the Great Depression, Strickland said.

He gave an example of his own brother, who worked for Fidelity National Financial Inc., a title insurance and real estate services company. The company was based in Santa Barbara but moved to Jacksonville, Fla., after it received an incentive package. It brought hundreds of jobs to the Florida region.

“(Many state politicians here) have this attitude that people won’t leave here because of the beautiful weather, but businesses are leaving and people are losing their jobs,â€

[quote]“I think it’s a very dangerous position we’re facing, and it has to be taken very seriously by the governor and the legislators as well,â€