New session: activity expected to be high for 2017.

• Author: Fox, Jason
• Position: Capitol Beat

The Legislature convened briefly in December to be sworn in and begin the 2017-18 legislative session, but this month the newly elected group of legislators begin to ramp up their efforts as new legislation in introduced,

Thousands of bills are expected to be introduced, debated and voted on ewer the next few months. legislation is expected to cover various topics, including tax proposals; banking regulations related to the fallout of the Wells Fargo scandal; human resources business issues, such as overtime rules, minimum wage and other employee-employer regulations; oversight of licensing boards (including the CBA); marijuana regulation; and increased soda! service programs.

The CalCPA government relations team will be reviewing the proposals for how they may impact the CPA profession and clients of CPAs.

This year, for the second time since 2012, the legislature will have a supermajority of Democrats in the Assembly and Senate, This allows Democrats to pass taxes, raise revenue and suspend procedural rules without the need of Republican support. However, moderates within the Democratic caucus have shown an ability to organise together to influence more progressive Democratic policies for a more moderate outcome.

This dynamic, particularly how caucus leaders bring different sides together, will shape the policy goals of the legislature in 2017-18.

Register Now for CPA Day: Jan. 31

Registration is open for the CPA Day at the Capitol, to be held Jan. 31 in Sacramento. All members are encouraged to make their arrangements and represent themselves and their profession, and be a part of the public, policy process.

As the new legislative session begins with new legislators, CalCPA will need another strong showing Tram the CPA profession this year to continue important discussions on new and emerging issues that affect CPAs, businesses and taxpayers in California,

Schedules, talking points and other resources about the specific issues will be provided to attendees prior to the event. All you need to do is register: www.CalCPA.org/CPADay and make plans to be in Sacramento in January.

New Attorney General Appointed

Gov. Brown appointed California Democratic Congressman Xavier Becerra to fill the remaining two years of the Attorney General position vacated when Kamala Harris was elected to the US Senate.

Becerra has strong ties to Democrats in California and Washington. Along with Gov. Brown, he will be key in any legal fights between California...