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- Written by: NFIB
“It’s at least nice to see glimmers of hope for the rest of the nation’s small business owners if not for California’s, which are still having to survive under the legislative drag holding them back,” said John Kabateck, the California state director for the National Federation of Independent Business. “Right now, we’re working with our membership in helping them comply with that ridiculously onerous burden of having workplace violence prevention plans in place by July 1. It’s nice to see a personal finance course for high school students qualify for the November ballot. We only wish it was around before most of our legislators were elected to the Assembly and Senate.”
NFIB’s monthly Small Business Economic Trends, or SBET, report is the gold standard measurement of America’s small business economy.
Used by the Federal Reserve, Congressional leaders, administration officials, and state legislatures across the nation, it’s regarded as the bellwether on the health and welfare of the Main Street enterprises that employ half of all workers, generate more net new jobs than large corporations, and gave most of us the first start in our working life.
The SBET, or Optimism Index, is a national snapshot of NFIB-member, small-business owners not broken down by state. The typical NFIB member employs 10 people and reports gross sales of about $500,000 a year.
“While inflation pressures have eased since peaking in 2021, small business owners are still managing the elevated costs of higher prices and interest rates. The labor market has also eased slightly as small business owners are having an easier time attracting and retaining employees,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg.
Highlights from the report
Reports of labor quality as the single most important problem for business owners decreased five points to 16%, the lowest reading since April 2020.
The net percent of owners who expect real sales to be higher increased six points from January to a net negative 10% (seasonally adjusted), an improvement from last month.
Small business owners’ plans to fill open positions continue to slow, with a seasonally adjusted net 12% planning to create new jobs in the next three months, the lowest level since May 2020.
Thirty-seven percent (seasonally adjusted) of all owners reported job openings they could not fill in the current period, down two points from January and the lowest reading since January 2021.
The net percent of owners raising average selling prices declined one point from January to a net 21% (seasonally adjusted), the lowest reading since January 2021.
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- Written by: Controller’s Office
The state ended the month with $94.7 billion in unused borrowable resources, although fiscal year-to-date receipts lag behind the estimates in the 2024-25 Governor’s proposed budget.
“General Fund receipts for the fiscal year continue to miss the mark, but thankfully California has maintained a high amount of available borrowable resources,” said Controller Cohen. “While the Legislature and Governor work to reach consensus on a balanced budget, the strong reserves they have maintained ensure cash is currently available to meet the state’s financial obligations.”
Fiscal year-to-date receipts through February were $130.8 billion, nearly $5.4 billion below the Governor’s Budget estimates, or 4 percent.
Disbursements for the fiscal year through February were $148.5 billion, nearly $7.9 billion less than the proposed budget projections, or 5 percent.
Year-to-date personal income tax receipts through February were below the Governor’s Budget expectations by $4.5 billion, or 5.5 percent. Corporate tax receipts were $1.1 billion below fiscal year estimates, or 4.9 percent. Sales and use taxes were $487 million above expectations for the fiscal year, or 2.2 percent.
As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The controller has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds.
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- Written by: California State Board of Food and Agriculture
The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento.
The meeting is also available via Zoom, webinar ID 894 5095 3231, pass code Board2024!, and phone access passcode 8189647735. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available via the Zoom application.
“California’s farmers and ranchers are critical partners in helping to meet our state’s climate goals,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “From generating renewable energy and harnessing the potential of biomass, to advancing on-farm technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – California agriculture has many opportunities to help advance a clean energy future.”
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, California is the top state using renewable energy production systems – with an estimated 16,699 farms. Solar is the most common renewable energy production system on farms and ranches in the Golden State.
Invited speakers include Angelina Galiteva, Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES); Tyson Eckerle, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development; Karen Warner, BEAM Circular; Steve Shehadey, Bar 20 Dairy; Lauren McCawley, California Department of Food and Agriculture; and other invited speakers.
“Innovation on farms will be critical to advance carbon neutrality and reach California’s renewable energy targets,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “California agriculture has the potential — we need the resources, investments and partnerships to help further on-farm adaptation and integration.”
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and citizens to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.
Follow the board on X at www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard.
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- Written by: AAA
Sunny beaches and ocean cruise liners top the list of preferred destinations for Americans this spring.
While Florida remains the top domestic destination this Spring Break nationwide, destinations like Southern California, Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona are particularly popular among West Coast travelers.
Spring cruises are selling out fast, with a notable 28 percent increase in bookings for March and April compared to 2023. Similarly, international travel, particularly in Europe, is on the rise, with a 20% increase in international flight bookings compared to last year.
“We’re expecting to see a dynamic blend of travelers, from people who meticulously planned ahead to those seizing a spontaneous adventure,” AAA Northern California spokesperson John Treanor said. “Whether you booked months ahead or at the last minute, all travelers can take advantage of resources and follow practical advice to ensure a smooth and stress-free getaway.”
AAA Northern California offers five travel tips:
Plan ahead. Resources like AAA Tourbook Guides, TripTik or TripCanvas, and Via Magazine can ensure a well-planned itinerary that maximizes any vacation experience.
Prepare your vehicle. Get your car serviced at a AAA Auto Repair Center before embarking on a road trip.
Save money. Take advantage of discounts on car rentals, hotels, and find the lowest fuel prices along your route using the AAA Mobile App. AAA Members can also use the mobile app to request roadside assistance if they need it.
Stay safe. Enroll in the State Department’s STEP for safety advisories and security warnings when abroad.
Obtain an International Driving Permit. AAA is the only U.S. entity authorized to issue IDPs. Familiarize yourself with local driving laws while driving or renting a vehicle abroad.