Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Cardoza today praised an economic study underway by the Public Policy Institute of California, while at the same time requesting it also be expanded.

The study is expected to review the current business climate in California and identify key problems and challenges to business creation and survival.

“California represents one of the largest economies in the world. Yet our state – and especially the San Joaquin Valley – have been especially hard hit by the recession. I believe this study could provide a roadmap for policymakers to identify and remove government obstructions that are impeding California’s business climate.”

Following a recent meeting with PPIC President & CEO Mark Baldassare, Congressman Cardoza expressed his support for the study and in a letter requested that it address the following questions:

• What laws and regulations increase the cost of doing business in California vs. other states? 

• Have the impediments to business identified in the report contributed to California’s current recession? 

• What can be done to improve the economic climate in California to promote entrepreneurship and help turn around the state’s economy? 

• What legislative initiatives – both state and federal – does the PPIC recommend in order to correct the problem?

Rep. Jane Harman, D-Venice, also joined in support of the study and signed the letter.

“It is one thing to study a problem. It is another to solve it,” said Congressman Cardoza. “I believe this study could provide a unique tool for improving California’s economic policies and helping to grow business for the benefit of everyone.”