BILL NUMBER: SB 549 VETOED DATE: 10/13/2007 To the Members of the California State Senate: I am returning Senate Bill 549 without my signature. This bill, along with two others I am returning without my signature, would significantly expand California's workplace leave laws. While some expansion of existing law may have merit, these laws in combination are too expansive and also fail to recognize the need for reforms to current law. California has the strongest employment leave and workplace protection laws in the country. While these laws have been enacted with the best of intentions, they have also caused much confusion for employers and employees. Unfortunately, many California-only standards in areas such as family leave, overtime, and meal and rest periods have been developed haphazardly and have resulted in needless litigation that has created a perception that California is not friendly to business. Instead of expanding the confusing network of laws that presently exist, employers and employees should be working together to eliminate confusion and create a system of workplace laws that protects workers, provides reasonable leave requirements, and offers both employers and employees flexibility to meet their respective needs. For these reasons, I am returning this bill without my signature. Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger