Election wrap-up: little change so far, but 2012 could be interesting.

• Author: Allen, Bruce C.
• Position: CapitolBeat - CalCPA Political Action Committee

Elections are over and not much has changed in California other than the governor-elect is Democrat Jerry Brown, who claims he is a different person with a different philosophy as compared to his first go-round as governor.

Any evidence of a change in philosophy remains to be seen and CalCPA will watch closely as he makes his initial appointments to key administration positions. The Legislature's make-up retains its Democrat majority. The California Assembly count is 52 Democrats and 28 Republicans; the Senate is 24 to 14, with two vacancies: the seats of deceased Sens. Dave Cox (R-Fair Oaks) and Jenny Oropeza (D-Long Beach).

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The election did see voters reject a repeal of the Citizens Reapportionment Committee and embrace the concept of requiring the committee to re-draw Congressional lines. So, significant changes are possible in 2012.

Michael Ueltzen, chair of the CalCPA Political Action Committee and vice chair of the Government Relations Committee, seeing the opportunity in the circumstances says, "We are working on preparing for the 2012 elections by reinforcing our grassroots efforts and Political Action Committee fund-raising. 2012 could represent a significant opportunity for the CPA profession to make a difference in election outcomes."

Paul Regan, chair of the CalCPA Government Relations Committee, says another task for the committee is "working with the current governor and the new administration on appointments to the CBA for the remainder in early 2011."

Gov. Schwarzenegger is rumored to have backed off his earlier promise not to make appointments to any boards and commissions, and several candidates have been interviewed for CBA positions.

150 Hours

The CBA is continuing its deliberations on qualifying coursework for the 150-hour mandate. Two committees are meeting to make recommendations on the 20 units of accounting and business related education, and 10 units of ethics education. It is anticipated that clean-up legislation will be required to implement the recommendations to make them workable for schools, students and the profession.

Mobility

Mobility legislation is on the agenda as CalCPA continues to meet with stakeholders to determine if a compromise is possible. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy has indicated that its licensing database will be operational sometime in spring 2011. This is an essential element to California's ability to enact mobility provisions similar to...