CalChamber’s 2024 “Job Killer” list highlights bills that would hike costs, raise taxes, and expand litigation—while its new 2025 “Affordability Agenda” shifts focus to cutting everyday costs for Californians.
The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) has long been recognized for its annual “Job Killer” list, a compilation of state bills it claims would hinder growth and drive employers out of California. In 2024, that list included proposals to dramatically increase Unemployment Insurance (UI) taxes, extend UI benefits to striking workers, and impose new levies on digital advertising.
Among the most controversial items was SB 1434, introduced by Sen. María Elena Durazo, D-Los Angeles, which sought to increase UI taxes by as much as 55 percent to fund expanded benefits. Another proposal, SB 1116 by Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, would have allowed striking workers to claim UI benefits, effectively requiring employers to subsidize work stoppages at unrelated businesses. Both measures failed to meet legislative deadlines.
Other “job killers” included AB 2829 by Assemblymember Diane Papan, D-San Mateo, and SB 1327 by Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda—taxes of 5 percent and 7.25 percent, respectively, on digital advertising revenue. Both bills stalled in committee amid concerns about constitutionality and consumer costs. A sweeping single-payer health care bill, AB 2200 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, D-San Jose, which would have raised at least $250 billion in new taxes, also failed to advance.
While most measures on the 2024 list died in committee, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 399 by Sen. Aisha Wahab, D-Hayward, which limits employer speech during union drives, and AB 2499 by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth, which expands leave protections for crime victims.
In April 2025, CalChamber announced it was retiring the “Job Killer” brand and replacing it with a broader “Affordability Agenda.” The new framework includes two categories: “Cost Cutters,” bills that reduce prices for businesses and consumers, and “Cost Drivers,” bills that raise costs.
“While the Job Killer list has served us well for more than 25 years, it has become clear that CalChamber’s focus must no longer be limited to legislation that just impacts jobs,” said CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera. “Businesses and everyday Californians are struggling to keep up, and going forward, our policy positions will include legislation that is adding unnecessary costs and mandates on businesses that will ultimately lead to higher prices for consumers.”
Among the 2025 Cost Cutters:
- SB 540 (Sen. Josh Becker) to expand California’s energy grid into a regional market, lowering utility bills.
- SB 607 (Sen. Scott Wiener) and AB 609 (Asm. Buffy Wicks) to reform CEQA rules for infill housing projects.
- AB 1138 (Asm. Rick Zbur) and SB 630 (Sen. Ben Allen) to double the state’s film tax credit to $750 million.
On the Cost Driver side, the CalChamber is opposing bills such as SB 573 (Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas), which would more than double the state’s corporate tax rate, and AB 405 (Asm. Dawn Addis), which would impose new climate disclosure mandates on the apparel industry.
“Unfortunately, we’ve seen far too many bills that are costly for Californians in 2025 than we have in previous years,” Barrera said. “The 2024 election has taught us that affordability and daily living are top of mind for all Californians.”
