State Lawmakers Focus On Jobs
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- State lawmakers have addressed circumcision and foam takeout containers this year, but the state's backsliding economy and dismal jobs outlook are dominating the end of the legislative session.
Creating greater scrutiny of business regulations and keeping a surcharge that allows investment in alternative energy projects are included among the roughly 250 bills lawmakers are hurrying to finish before their Friday deadline for sending legislation to the governor.
Democratic lawmakers have formed a rare alliance with business leaders to push a package of bills designed to make California's regulatory environment friendlier to businesses.
Gov. Jerry Brown, meanwhile, is proposing a plan to close a corporate tax loophole on out-of-state companies while offering incentives for businesses to hire workers in the state.
GOP lawmakers say many of the ideas don't do enough.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
