California Labor Federation Applauds Passage of Enterprise Zone Reform

Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski

“Today, the California Assembly joined the state Senate in sending a clear message in support of good jobs. By flipping the broken enterprise zone program into Gov. Brown’s smart, strategic plan for job growth, the legislature strengthened California’s economic recovery. We applaud the legislature for rooting out the waste and abuse in California’s enterprise zone program and shifting those tax dollars to create middle-class jobs that boost local economies.

“Under AB 93, tax dollars are directed to good jobs for those who need them most. The state’s manufacturing sector, an engine for middle-class growth, gets an immediate shot in the arm. With new accountability and transparency measures, we’ll know who is getting the money and what jobs are being created, so the public can see the value for the dollars invested. And the state will no longer offer incentives for companies to fire workers and move to other areas of the state, devastating families and communities in the process.

“California’s labor movement is proud to have championed the common-sense reforms included in AB 93. We’re pleased that the wasteful enterprise zone program, which lined the pockets of strip club owners and mega corporations like Walmart without producing new jobs, finally got the overhaul it desperately needed. With this victory, we look forward to continuing to rebuild California’s economy, protecting taxpayers and revitalizing our state’s middle class.”

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