SACRAMENTO — Assembly Bill (AB) 93, a measure that will restore Antelope Valley’s expired Enterprise Zone, won bipartisan approval with a 54-16 vote and now moves to the Governor for approval, according to an announcement by Assemblymember Steve Fox (D-Palmdale).
“When I first took office and asked Mayor Ledford of Palmdale and Mayor Parris of Lancaster what I could do to help the Antelope Valley, they both said the Enterprise Zone needed to be restored,” said Fox. “The expansion of local hiring credits and incentives for manufacturing in our district will give our businesses and employers the help they have needed.”
AB 93 authorizes former enterprise zones to operate as current enterprise zones under a modified program. With AB 93, former enterprise zones and census tracts with the 25% highest unemployment and lowest income are eligible for this program—and much of the Antelope Valley qualifies.
Employers in these areas paying $12 to $28 per hour will receive a hiring credit. Qualified employees would include many unemployed veterans, recipients of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and people who have been unemployed for at least six months.
This bill also will eliminate the California portion of the sales tax for manufacturing equipment and research and development, for all companies statewide.
Companies bringing jobs and capital investment to California also will have an opportunity to negotiate tax incentives with the State.
“In my meetings with fellow legislators, I have learned that obtaining this tax incentive for local businesses has been a priority for many of us,” continued Fox. “I am heartened that the Governor agreed and we can now expand the hiring credit locally.”
UPDATED 7/1/13: The Governor and Legislature have approved the Enterprise Zone Reform Act.
(Information via press release from the office of Assemblymember Steve Fox.)
10 dog says
More taxes?
QHR says
Thank you, Steve Fox! Also please keep pushing for the well needed Cal State AV campus.
William says
I thank you too, Steve Fox. You hit the ground running and I don’t think you’ll let up. I anticipate a long and successful term or terms for you in Sacramento.
i hope you’ll run for the State Senate when you are termed out. We need you there representing us well.
It's embarrassing! says
Steve Fox’ accomplishments in the last six months are so many that it’s almost embarrassing. Even given the fact that we haven’t really had an advocate in Sacramento for the last 30 years, Steve Fox’ efforts are still really astounding. What I find especially refreshing is the fact that he is “pro 36th District,” not “anti-Republican.” The local Republican propaganda machine only spouts out negativity, not the accomplishments of their guy. When AVRA meets to talk about positive things, they must just look at each other and say, “I got nothin’.” I don’t think they know HOW to put out a positive news story! When it comes to negativity, they’re full of it! I think I’ll just stick with Steve Fox for another term or two. This place may be unrecognizable!
Green is a cover-up says
Thank you Steve Fox.This would not have happened without you.