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Proposed bill would shorten California workweek to 32 hours. Here’s what you need to know


BY HAYLEY SMITHSTAFF WRITER
APRIL 8, 2022 3:47 PM PT

A proposed bill winding its way through the state Legislature could make California the first state in the nation to reduce its workweek to four days for a large swath of workers.

The bill, AB 2932, would change the definition of a workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours for companies with more than 500 employees. A full workday would remain at eight hours, and employers would be required to provide overtime pay for employees working longer than four full days.

The bill was authored by Assembly Members Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens) and Evan Low (D-San Jose). At the federal level, a bill by Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) is pushing for similar changes under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Reached by phone Friday, Garcia said the idea was prompted in part by the exodus of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of whom were seeking a better quality of life. More than 47 million Americans voluntarily quit their jobs in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We’ve had a five-day workweek since the Industrial Revolution,” Garcia said, “but we’ve had a lot of progress in society, and we’ve had a lot of advancements. I think the pandemic right now allows us the opportunity to rethink things, to reimagine things.”

Garcia and other proponents say a four-day workweek would lead to an increase in productivity and profits, and point to case studies already underway in Iceland and at companies such as Kickstarter. (The Times’ editorial board in September argued that the concept was worth a try.)

Opponents say a four-day workweek would stunt job growth in the state and could create untenable conditions for employers. The California Chamber of Commerce included the bill on its “job killer” list, writing that it would significantly increase labor costs, expose employers to litigation and impose requirements that are “impossible to comply with.”

Here’s what you need to know about this potentially monumental change:

Who would be covered by AB 2932?

The bill as written would apply to employers in California with at least 500 employees. According to the state’s Employment Development Department, that’s about 2,600 businesses and more than 3.6 million employees.

Unionized workforces, or those with collective bargaining agreements, are exempt, Garcia said.

How would it work?

The bill seeks to amend Section 510 of the California Labor Code by redefining the workweek from 40 hours to 32, with eight-hour workdays remaining in place.

Under the bill, employees who work in excess of 32 hours would be compensated at a rate of at least 1.5 times their regular rate of pay, as is currently required for those who work in excess of 40 hours.

Crucially, the bill would also prohibit employers from reducing an employee’s regular rate of pay as a result of the reduced hourly workweek requirement.

Garcia said conversations are ongoing about how the rules would work for salaried employees. She said the bill does not apply to workers with collective bargaining agreements because “I like to think of this as a floor, and oftentimes our bargaining agreements are better.”

But, she added, “we have to start the discussion someplace.”

What are the potential benefits?

Iceland ran two large-scale trials of the concept between 2015 and 2019, in which about 1% of the nation’s workforce reduced their workweek to 35 or 36 hours with no reduction in pay.

The nation found that productivity and service remained the same across the majority of trial workplaces, and worker well-being increased dramatically across a range of indicators, including perceived stress and burnout and health and work-life balance.

As a result of the trials, at least 86% of the country’s workforce are now working shorter hours or gaining the right to shorten their hours.

“The fact of the matter is many other companies are already doing this, and other countries too, so I think this is the direction we’re going,” said Low, the bill’s co-author, noting that many companies that have tried similar strategies have also reported better customer engagement and lower utility costs.

“This is going to attract more [employees] to your company, because it’s undisputed workers are looking for more flexibility,” he said.

What are the potential disadvantages?

Ashley Hoffman, a policy advocate at the California Chamber of Commerce, said additional labor costs imposed by the bill would amount to a minimum 10% increase in wages per employee per week, among other concerns.

“This significant rise in labor costs will not be sustainable for many businesses,” she wrote in opposition to the bill, noting that labor costs are often one of the highest costs a business faces, and that many companies operate on very thin profit margins.

“Such a large increase in labor costs will reduce businesses’ ability to hire or create new positions and will therefore limit job growth in California,” Hoffman said. “This is especially true now as businesses are still recovering from the impacts of COVID-19 and resulting rises in supply chain costs.”

Hoffman also said the bill could have the unintended consequence of a reduction in hours for workers.

What happens next?

AB 2932 is currently with the Labor and Employment Committee for review.

“Now we have an opportunity for business and labor and workers to have an honest and frank conversation about what this looks like, and then we’ll make changes accordingly,” Low said, adding that the bill was a “work in progress.”

A hearing date has not yet been set, he said.



https://www.latimes.com/california/...irst-state-to-implement-a-4-day-workweek

"We're experiencing a mass exodus of residents in California, what can we do to balance this out?"

"Maybe figure out a way to make all the businesses leave as well?"

"Brilliant! Hey, I've got a great idea..."

Can't imagine some random person walking up to politicians just coming or going to a government building are going to get an answer.
It most likely is status quo to not speak to such random questions, as we all can agree that anything they say can and most likely will be twisted and edited to fit the agenda of the interviewer.

Maybe you can open your mind and figure out that both Trump and Biden contributed to it instead of pointing fingers. Both of them gave "unemployment for not working". Both handed out stimulus checks. Trump also added trillions to the national debt. Maybe if one engages their mind they can see this isn't a right verses left issue.

They thought people would pay a monthly subscription for a news service? Not like there's any real exclusive content.

j/c:

This is the time of year when the 'ads' start popping off. This one is hilariously ridiculous.

I didn't know Greenwald was a homophobe.

The fact that Greenwald is gay, I didn't know that either.

Well color me stupid, I didn't know that he was gay. What is this post about then, because that damn sure isn't the worst political ad I've ever seen. Not after Roy Moore and others.

If you read my comment, you would know.

But it also does confirm, in a way, the title of this thread... "What democrats have become" because simply by disagreeing with a video made by a gay person you immediately assume Greenwald is a homophobe.

Indeed.

I watched the video and don't get it. I read your posts and see nothing you wrote that even attempts to explain it.

A hilarious, ridiculous ad didn't spell it out for you?

It was ridiculous. I found nothing funny let alone hilarious about it. And no, it didn't spell anything out to me.

NY Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin arrested in campaign finance fraud case
PUBLISHED TUE, APR 12 20229:48 AM EDTUPDATED 37 MIN AGO
NBC 4 New York
Jonathan Dienst, Melissa Russo and Jennifer Vazquez
WATCH LIVE
New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin speaks during the 2022 New York State Democratic Convention at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel on February 17, 2022 in New York City.
New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin speaks during the 2022 New York State Democratic Convention at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel on February 17, 2022 in New York City.
Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images
New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin has surrendered to authorities to face campaign finance fraud-related charges in connection with a past campaign, two people familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

Benjamin was charged with bribery, fraud, conspiracy and falsification of records in an alleged scheme to obtain campaign contributions from a real estate developer in exchange for Benjamin’s agreement to use his influence as a state senator to get a $50,000 grant of state funds for a nonprofit organization the developer controlled.


Facing charges including bribery, fraud, conspiracy and falsification of records, Benjamin pleaded not guilty Tuesday at an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court. He was released and bail was set at $250,000.

The lieutenant governor appeared in Manhattan federal court Tuesday afternoon, and left without talking to reporters. Lawyers representing Benjamin did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who appeared at a New York City news conference Tuesday regarding a shooting on the subway, said she would speak about Benjamin later in the day.

“We’ll have a statement out there. I have not had a chance to speak to him. I was doing media interviews this morning. But this is not the place but I will be addressing it very shortly,” Hochul said.

His arrest comes after reports that Manhattan federal prosecutors and the FBI were investigating whether Benjamin knowingly engaged in a campaign finance fraud scheme. Subpoenas were issued in connection with the investigation, two sources familiar with the subpoenas said at the time.

The indictment said Benjamin, formerly a state senator from Harlem, and others acting at his direction or on his behalf also engaged in a series of lies and deceptions to cover up the scheme that stretched from 2019 to 2021.

They falsified campaign donor forms, misled municipal regulators and provided false information in vetting forms Benjamin submitted while he was being considered to be appointed as lieutenant governor, the indictment said.

A spokesman for the U.S. attorney and a spokesman for the FBI both previously declined WNBC requests for comment regarding the investigation into Benjamin. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins also did not return requests for comment.

Benjamin was appointed lieutenant governor by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2021, shortly after losing a primary bid for New York City comptroller. He previously served as the New York State Senator for District 30, which is made up of Harlem, East Harlem (El Barrio), the Upper West Side, Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights and Morningside Heights.

The investigation into Benjamin came after the FBI arrested his fundraiser, Gerald Migdol, in November. He is charged with wire fraud in connection with an alleged campaign fraud scheme linked to past Benjamin fundraising.

A lawyer for Migdol did not return requests for comment.

After the indictment was announced, the New York City Campaign Finance Board said in a statement that no public funds were issued to Benjamin’s campaign.

“The CFB’s audit reviews identified potentially fraudulent contributions prior to issuing any public funds payments,” the CFB said. “Those contributions were not matched with public funds, nor did they factor into the campaign qualifying for public funds payments.”

Following the confirmation that Benjamin was being investigated, the lieutenant governor’s office referred questions to its Nov. 19 press statement issued at the time of Migdol’s arrest in which it said it was prepared to cooperate.

“Neither Lieutenant Governor Benjamin nor his campaign are being accused of any wrongdoing and they are prepared to fully cooperate with authorities,” it said. “As soon as the campaign discovered that these contributions were improperly sourced, they donated them to the Campaign Finance Board, pursuant to guidance obtained from the CFB.”


https://www.cnbc.com

Mostly-honest question... was that actually an ad?

The tone is something you'd expect to hear from a stereotypical Bernie Bro, but the words are those of their hated rivals, the establishment dems.

126 Republicans raise concerns with 'anti-life' provisions in Biden's budget proposal
The lawmakers are concerned that Biden's budget proposal makes no mention of the Hyde Amendment

A group of 126 Republican lawmakers are pushing back against President Biden's Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Budget Proposal, which they say includes anti-life and anti-family provisions.

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., led the representatives in a letter Monday to Biden reviewed by Fox News Digital, which states, "Every human life is precious, sacred, and deserving of protection. Unfortunately, your proposal expands abortion on demand, paid for by taxpayers."

Last month, Biden proposed a $5.8 trillion budget blueprint for federal spending in fiscal 2023, which begins in October. The proposal makes no mention of the Hyde Amendment, a policy that President Biden has openly supported for many years that prevents the use of taxpayer money to fund abortions, except in rare instances.

We are concerned that for the second year in a row, you have released a budget proposal that includes numerous anti-life and anti-family provisions which stand in stark contrast to our values and the values of an overwhelming majority of Americans," the letter states.

The administration's budget also proposes a 40% increase of $400 million in funding for the Title X Family Planning Program, an act that the lawmakers believe would work in the benefit of the abortion industry as a "slush fund."

Read more...

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/republicans-biden-anti-life-provisions-budget-proposal

FOWL PLAY Bird POOPS on Joe Biden during infrastructure speech today in Iowa as president trolled for ‘talking ‘s***’ on Twitter
Caitlin Hornik
17:32 ET, Apr 12 2022Updated: 18:39 ET, Apr 12 2022

A BIRD pooped on President Joe Biden during his infrastructure speech today in Iowa, as he's been trolled for "talking s***" on Twitter.

Biden was in the midst of a speech in Menlo, Iowa on Tuesday when he was struck.

https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/...Qjpg-JS725825741.jpg?strip=all&w=960

Biden was struck by bird poo mid-speechCredit: AFP
"It's about being made in America," Biden was filmed saying in the moments prior to the poo.

Biden was discussing infrastructure and inflation as part of a visit to POET Bioprocessing.

While he didn't seem to notice the splatter on his jacket, many folks did - including the bird responsible for the mess.

"Even the Birds know this guy is full of [poop emoji]," tweeted one user.

"Bird One: "Biden always talks bulls***. Bird Two: "BRB…gotta take a quick birds***," tweeted another.

"Biden wasn't the only one spouting poop today," commented another Twitter user.

"Even The Birds are pissed off now. What's NEXT?," another chimed in.

There was no shortage of jokes and trolling after the incident, with even the bird responsible chiming in.

"Sorry about the poop," tweeted @PoopBiden.

Biden landed in Des Moines earlier in the day ahead of his speech, where EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan was also scheduled to appear.

The president addressed the surge in fuel prices Americans are experiencing around the country,

"Environmental Protection Agency is planning to issue an emergency waiver to allow E15 gasoline — gasoline that uses more ethanol from home-grown crops — to be sold across the U.S. this summer in order to increase fuel supply and lower prices," a tweet from the POTUS account reads.

https://www.the-sun.com/news/5111480/bird-poops-joe-biden-during-infrastructure-speech-today-iowa/

It amazes me what passes for news in GOPertopia.

Nothing about that tiktok clip looked real or legitimate. But that's just me.

Right?! A bird poops on Biden and it’s news. Meanwhile, donny IS a pile of crap and not a word.

LIBERAL HYPOCRISY Biden Shakes Invisible Hand On Empty Stage After Ending Speech
Biden attempts handshake with absolutely no one standing next to him, wanders off looking confused.

President Joe Biden experienced a trademark “Biden moment” on Thursday, following a speech in North Carolina, miming a handshake when he was all alone on stage with nobody standing next to him.

Immediately after ending his speech with “God bless you all,” Biden turned to his right and said something to the empty space space behind him – where another person would presumably be if Biden was not all alone – and mimed a handshake.

The 79-year-old POTUS then looked around with a confused expression on his face, before beginning to amble aimlessly around the auditorium.



The speech itself was not nearly as eventful as the events that unfolded immediately after. Biden delivered boilerplate rhetoric about his Build Back Better agenda as his approval ratings floundered.

“Every action I’ve taken to rebuild our economy has been guided by one principle: made in America means using products, parts and materials built right here in the United States of America,” Biden said.

“It means bringing manufacturing jobs back, building supply chains here at home, not outsourcing from abroad,” he continued.

“Our economy has gone from being on the mend to being on the move,” Biden said. “I know that we’re still facing challenges of high prices, inflation. I grew up in a family where the price of gasoline went up at the pump.”

“We need to address these high prices, and urgently, for working folks out there,” concluded Biden. “When we build more in America we increase economic capacity. And ultimately it helps lower everyday prices for families. Look around. American manufacturing is coming back. Once again we’re seeing the pride that comes from stamping a product made in America.”

https://valiantnews.com/2022/04/biden-shakes-invisible-hand-on-empty-stage-after-ending-speech/

This is your "President."

omg. I hope he can hang in there for 2 more years. at least 1 more

Just before this, he gave one of his double barrell shotgun demonstrations.

May I remind you of Cofefve and hamberder...

Or maybe Trump having to be helped down a ramp by a general

Or maybe Trump needing to be called back into a room after forgetting to sign a bill he was touting...

Come on man,,,

Just remember, he's your president too. Maybe you should try running a decent human being next time and things will most likely work out better for you.

But hey, maybe you'll get your way and Kamala will be your president soon.

May I remind you that if any Browns fan was not happy with the DeShone Kizer experience, telling him Cody Kessler was just is bad will not make them feel any better.


Let's all sing along... Trump-trump-trump-trump, Trump-trump-trump-trump... Trump, trump, trump, trump, TRUMP!

Trump derangement syndrome is real.

Yeah, it's a good thing he isn't going around the country holding rallies repeating the same lies that led to Jan. 6th and endorsing candidates for the midterms. It's a good thing he isn't the front runner for the 2024 Republican nomination to be president. We should just forget about him. Sort of the same way Republicans should have forgotten about Hillary a long time ago. And Hillary isn't even in a political threat anymore.

Maybe Republicans should stop bowing to their orange God and then we wouldn't have anything left to talk about. When Trump decides to shut the hell up I will shut the hell up about Trump.

Case example #2.

Proof that your assertions are meaningless.

No one said forget about Trump. We're saying stop hijacking every thread with your "what about Trump" comments.

Trump supporters don't get to dictate what can be posted in opposition. Last I checked this is America, and we are STILL a democracy. So when the right acknowledges that they elected the worst POTUS in history, instead of bashing the ancient dem who unseated the orange buffoon, then you can say stop using the Trump whataboutisms. Trump was and is a clear and present danger to all we (dems) hold dear.

Yet you are the one trying to dictate what others can post. Your double standards are why no one can take you seriously. As for Biden, he sticks his head in the sand while inflation runs rampant. He seems to be trying to take the 'worst president' slot from Trump.

I've acknowledged that Trump was an arrogant, sexist liar and an all around jackwagon. It cracks me up when any criticism leveled at Biden is met with a "What about Trump" as if it were a legitimate counter versus the weak minded response that it really is. Some of these clowns think Biden should be untouchable because his predecessor was a royal douche.

In terms of results Biden is the worst president in my lifetime and it's not even close.

I cannot think of a single good the man has done. Still haven't met anybody that actually thinks he's doing a good job, he's been garbage and everyone knows it.