1. Summary

This decision declines to create a Small Business Advisory Council.

This result springs from a review by the Commission of the range of alternatives available for soliciting the input of small businesses. This review convinces the Commission that creating an advisory board is an ongoing, complex, legal endeavor that would require a substantial commitment of financial and staff resources. Moreover, it is possible for the Commission to obtain the input of small businesses in other ways.

In particular, a modification of the agenda of workshops and discussions currently led by a Commissioner at the Commission's small business expositions offers a cost-effective method for learning about how Commission actions affect this business sector. Moreover, nothing precludes the Commission from subsequently holding an en banc hearing or opening a proceeding to pursue any issues brought to the Commission's attention.

In light of the difficult budgetary situation in California state government and the availability of alternative ways of obtaining the input of small businesses into Commission policies, it is not reasonable to create a Small Business Advisory Council at this time.

This proceeding is closed.