By Willie L. Brown Jr., Special to CalMatters, April 14, 2020 Many opponents of the original Proposition 13 have never given up. The same groups that fought the ballot measure more than four decades ago when 65 percent of the…
California is in the midst of an unprecedented economic crisis. Small businesses in California face yet another threat—Prop 15 on the November ballot. Prop 15 will be the largest property tax increase in state history at $11.5 billion per year.…
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group is interested in tax issues at the state, local, and federal levels. Tax policy is vitally important because it can be a positive force to drive economic growth in California through provisions such as the…
Here's food for thought . . . $2 trillion. Now that is a lot of money, even by Washington, D.C. standards. Yet that is what might be available, thanks to innovative, creative, globally-competitive American employers who have successfully won in…
Here's food for thought . . . California needs rain, and also needs to save for a rainy day. On this November's ballot, Californians will be voting on state Propositions 1 and 2. I personally support both, as does my…
Here's food for thought . . . Attacks are often opportunities to correct, rather than cower. A wonderful opportunity recently occurred from a somewhat surprising source: A column in the well-respected San Francisco Chronicle that referenced our 11th Annual CEO…
Here's food for thought . . . If we want to increase employment, then let's learn from employers. Annually, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group conducts a "CEO Business Climate Survey," seeking direct input from the innovators and entrepreneurs who drive…
Here's food for thought . . . Benjamin Franklin once said, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes." Ironically, recent events in Washington, D.C. have led many to believe that "Nothing is certain but the death of tax reform." At…
Here's food for thought . . . Make your goals transparent and accountable. Each year, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group creates a three-year rolling business plan. Designed by our 392 members, it sets priorities in 10 distinct areas in which…
Here's food for thought . . . Taxing Innovation Tempers Job Creation. One of the most troubling elements of the Affordable Care Act, known also as Obamacare, was the tax imposed on America's medical device companies. Since this $29 billion…