Speech Transcribed  

Revitalizing California’s Business Climate

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow Californians",

"California’s economy thrives when its businesses can operate consistently and plan for the long term. When entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and service providers feel confident in the environment in which they work, they invest, they hire, and they stay rooted in the communities that depend on them. Strengthening that environment is therefore central to revitalizing California’s economy."

"A healthy business climate rests on three pillars: clear rules, consistent enforcement, and functional infrastructure. Every company—whether a neighborhood coffee shop, a multinational tech firm, or a manufacturer contemplating relocation—needs to understand the requirements and timelines that govern its operations. When regulations are transparent and applied uniformly, businesses can plan without the constant fog of uncertainty that drains resources and stifles growth."

"Infrastructure is the engine that powers that growth. Reliable transportation networks, dependable utilities, efficient ports, and robust digital systems are not optional extras—they are the foundations of economic performance. When any of these systems lag, costs rise, competitiveness erodes, and the very businesses that drive our state’s prosperity suffer. Investing wisely in roads, bridges, rail, broadband, and energy grids lifts every sector—from retail and healthcare to logistics and manufacturing."

"Predictability also determines whether domestic and foreign companies choose California over other locations. When investors compare sites, they weigh regulatory clarity, workforce availability, and operating costs side by side. By offering a stable, predictable environment, we give businesses the confidence to meet standards, expand operations, and continue growing—right here in the Golden State."

"When businesses stay and expand, local economies flourish. Jobs are created, supply chains tighten, and neighborhoods enjoy greater stability. Those outcomes, in turn, fund public services, bolster schools, and sustain the long‑term health of our state’s finances."

"Revitalizing California’s business environment, therefore, demands coordinated action across agencies, pragmatic policy decisions, and an unwavering focus on results. The objective is simple and powerful:"

"Keep existing businesses operating in California, attract fresh investment, and nurture economic activity that benefits workers and communities across the entire state."

"By committing to clear rules, steadfast enforcement, and world‑class infrastructure, we can restore confidence, spark growth, and ensure that California remains the premier place to build, innovate, and thrive."