“Every legislator claims to be a friend of small business, but our voting records put them to the test,” said Tom Scott, NFIB/CA State executive director. “We are pleased to see 13 Senators and 31 Assemblymembers voting for small business at least 70 percent of the time, but these numbers still only represent a minority of each chamber’s membership. It is especially alarming to see some members of the legislature only receiving 17 or 18 percent with NFIB, while having some of the highest unemployment rates in California in their districts. We urge those who are failing small business to reflect on our voting record and strive to support small business with their votes in 2017.

Sens. Tom Berryhill (R-Modesto) and Andy Vidak (R-Hanford) and Assemblymembers Frank Bigelow (R-O’Neals), Devon Mathis (R-Visalia), and Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) each were members of the NFIB “100% Club,” voting in concordance with the NFIB on a number of bills including opposing AB 67, the double-pay on holiday act, and opposing SB 654, the mandatory six weeks protected leave for birth initiative.

It is the fourth year in a row Patterson has received the 100-percent rating.

“I’m very thankful that we have independent organizations holding legislators accountable,” Patterson commented. “I’m honored to be recognized for protecting business-owners and securing the rights of citizens in the 23rd District.”

Assemblymembers Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) and Adam Gray (D-Merced) were deemed “NFIB Friends of Small Business) for their 73-percent and 71-percent voting records, respectively.

In the “Failing Small Business” category landed Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) with a 27-percent voting record in concordance with the NFIB.