What’s Ahead for Small Business in the California Legislature in 2024?

December 14, 2023 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

What’s Ahead for Small Business in the California Legislature in 2024?

The second half was supposed to have been the crowning glory on the most consequential session for the progressive agenda in the state’s history. To make certain of this, super-majority Democrats even switched speakers of the Assembly because the incumbent wasn’t progressive enough. Now, there will shortly be a new president of the Senate. But a not-so-funny thing happened on the way to turning California into their idea of a utopia of state governance—a $68 billion budget deficit reared its ugly head. And it’s promising to grow not shrink. In an ironic twist of fate, NFIB Legislative Director Tim Taylor said of lawmakers, “They will have to demonstrate fiscal responsibility.” So, what does that mean for progressive hopes to:

Establish a universal health-care system?
Increase the minimum wage?
Institute a wealth tax?
Give unemployment benefits to striking workers?
Add more paid-leave days?
Enshrine a right to join a union into the state constitution?
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
The four-day workweek?

In the 24-minute call with NFIB California members, below, Taylor takes a look back at the 2023 session and what it portends for 2024. “If I had to characterize the 2023 California legislative year, I would say that it was a cautionary tale against profligate spending.” And just in time, as red ink is rising to tsunami levels. Taylor is joined by NFIB California State Director John Kabateck and Grassroots Manager Taylor Criddle who discuss the importance of greater member involvement in the legislative process.