Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce unanimously votes to oppose proposed head tax

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - June 23, 2022 - PRLog -- The Santa Clara-based Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce (SVC Chamber) announced in a letter to the mayor and city council that it has unanimously voted to oppose the proposed employee head tax in Santa Clara. The SVC Chamber agrees with the city that there is a need to increase and update Santa Clara's business license tax, but only if it is a reasonable increase that includes an employer cap, and inflation index cap. According to the chamber, the current proposal is harmful to local businesses and the City of Santa Clara. Chamber representatives also noted a head tax can be difficult to administer and monitor, especially now, when many companies allow employees to work remotely. The SVC Chamber believes the City should also use its rainy-day funds for a short-term period until the economy recovers.

"The SVC Chamber is opposed to the proposed employee head tax because we believe it will hurt economic development and damage Santa Clara's reputation for being a business-friendly city," said head of the Santa Clara Business Council Christian Pellecchia. "The current business license tax accounts for the varying size of Santa Clara employers by defining employee headcount within range categories. Updating the business license tax is a more sensible approach for both city government and employers. We look forward to working with the city council to find a practical solution."

The SVC Chamber is moving forward on a study to determine effects of the proposed tax in Santa Clara.

About Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce
For over seventy years, the chamber has served the Silicon Valley business community as influential advocates by supporting, connecting, and educating for the growth and sustainability of its business members. Located in Santa Clara, the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce is made up of a group of visionary business leaders that will help grow and shape the future of Silicon Valley.