In a recent interview on CNN, California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell addressed the state’s pressing economic challenges, including high living costs, unemployment, and a lack of new business creation. During the discussion, which aired on Friday’s broadcast of “The Story Is,” Swalwell presented his vision for economic reform while sidestepping questions regarding the Democratic Party’s responsibility for the current inflation crisis.
Swalwell responded to host Elex Michaelson‘s queries about California’s high cost of living, stating, “We have the highest unemployment rate in the country and the fewest new small business starts.” He emphasized his commitment to transforming California into a hub for start-ups. His plan includes offering a tax holiday for small businesses during their first three years of operation, aiming to alleviate financial pressures and encourage job creation.
When pressed about the Democratic leadership’s role in the state’s economic issues, Swalwell refrained from assigning blame. “I’m not going to look to the past. I’m running to be the governor next year,” he stated, focusing instead on his proposed solutions.
Plans to Address Housing and Business Challenges
Swalwell outlined his intention to declare a statewide housing emergency on his first day in office. He pledged to require state agencies to make decisions on pending housing projects within 90 days, effectively pausing certain environmental regulations under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in the process. This approach aims to expedite housing development in a state grappling with severe housing shortages.
In addition, Swalwell proposed measures designed to foster a more business-friendly environment. He expressed a desire to enhance California’s appeal to the film industry, suggesting that the state should be “the easiest place to film, not the hardest.” He also called for stronger public-private partnerships to address homelessness and proposed giving families more rights to advocate for their loved ones facing homelessness.
Swalwell’s plans reflect an understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing California, which include not only economic concerns but also social issues like homelessness. His commitment to digitalizing the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is another aspect of his broader strategy to modernize state services.
As the gubernatorial race heats up, Swalwell’s proposals aim to tackle the economic issues that have long plagued California. With an aggressive agenda focused on housing, small business support, and regulatory reform, he seeks to position himself as a leader capable of steering the state towards a more prosperous future.