Small biz group hires state lobbyist

San Francisco Business Times - February 23, 2007

by Lizette Wilson

Small Business California hopes to have a big influence in Sacramento.

The 2-year-old association for small business owners has hired a lobbyist, Lori Kammerer, to track and influence state legislation affecting its members.

The group is a network of 2,700 businesses that receive emails with small business updates and has 200 dues-paying members. President Scott Hauge said Kammerer will provide a vital link to the capital for small business owners concerned about workers' compensation, health care and other issues.

"I'll be full-time and a half," said Kammerer, noting this week will be especially intense. The small business group has proposed three pieces of legislation, but so far has only found a backer for one. The bill would ensure all companies carry workers' compensation insurance.

Another piece of legislation would allow owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs and others to take advantage of pre-tax health money while the third would allow businesses with short-term employees to forgo paying a premium when workers' compensation claims are filed. They are now charged 15 percent more than employers with long-term employees.

The deadline for finding a representative to sponsor bills is Feb. 23, after press time.

"I will get authors for the other two," said Kammerer. "I'm interviewing a lot of people."

Having represented the business community at the California Coalition on Workers' Compensation since 1987, Kammerer is now a full-time lobbyist with Kammerer & Co. She has signed a year contract to represent Small Business California. Along with influencing state legislation, Kammerer will gather information and tell network members about new and potentially significant laws.

lwilson@bizjournals.com / (415) 288-4939