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The latest news and updates from the California Business Roundtable. Sign up to receive updates straight to your inbox at [email protected].

ZEV Mandates Still Threaten California Consumers Regardless of Court Challenges

CBRT launches The California Brief Substack to provide a deep dive into policies, regulations, and legal challenges that drive up the cost of living and doing business in California...
In his most recent Substack article, California Business Roundtable President Rob Lapsley pushes back against ongoing inaccurate reports that corporations don't pay their "fair share" of taxes in California.
Today, the California Business Roundtable indicated their support to expand access to private investments in 401(k) accounts.
President Rob Lapsley recently released a Substack ​​​​​​analyzing California’s increased fuel tax and environmental regulations.
CBRT launches The California Brief Substack to provide a deep dive into policies, regulations, and legal challenges that drive up the cost of living and doing business in California
Rob Lapsley, President of the California Business Roundtable, issued the following statement in response to the Legislature’s record-setting 2025–26 state budget proposal, which includes more than $325 billion in General Fund, Special Fund, and bond spending.
Business Roundtable President Rob Lapsley welcomes the new Senate President Pro Tempore Senator Monique Limon

Latest News from the Center for Jobs

Latest on what is driving California’s economy, job growth, and other key indicators. Get updates straight to your inbox at [email protected]

Special Report: California Becomes 4th Largest Economy as Japan’s Economy Slowed in 2024

In the latest data from International Monetary Fund (IMF), California—if it was treated as a separate economy—moved from 5th largest in the world to 4th largest as Japan’s economy contracted. However, Japan is projected to resume growth at 4% in 2025, while India is projected to continue moving up the ranks with 7% growth....
As California slips further into long-term structural deficits and years of overspending catch up with policymakers, new and recycled tax increase discussions have begun once again.
In July, the preliminary estimate for nonfarm jobs shows a gain of 15,000. Combined with the downward adjustment to the June estimate, California shows a total loss of 9,700 nonfarm jobs to date in 2025 or essentially a continuation of the state’s job stagnation over the past two years.
California’s by-now secured position with the highest electricity costs appears to be an overlooked consideration in the most recent round of self-congratulations among the state’s leadership on the state’s increasing use of renewable generation sources.
Trade statistics in June again were buffeted by tariff policy shifts, with the latest deadline for tariff agreements now set for August 7.
In the latest report from California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), zero emission vehicle (ZEV) registrations posted a decline for the third quarter in a row.
California average prices for commercial and industrial natural gas worsened compared to the other contiguous states, while the other rankings were unchanged. California again had the highest costs (12-month moving average) for all end user electricity rates, gasoline, and diesel.