Kabateck Strategies

04/13/2026

𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴—𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆.

The latest NFIB Jobs Report shows the Small Business Employment Index dipped to 101.6, while 32% of small business owners still have job openings they can’t fill—well above historical averages.

At the same time, more than half of small businesses are trying to hire, yet many continue to struggle with labor quality, rising costs, and a shrinking pool of qualified applicants.

This is where smart policy matters.

Read more: https://pxl.to/23p59b7et

04/01/2026

California is drawing a clear line in the sand on artificial intelligence—and the implications could be massive for businesses, innovation, and regulation nationwide.

As state leaders push forward with their own AI policies while Congress works toward a federal framework, companies are left navigating an increasingly complex landscape. The question is no longer if AI will be regulated—but who will control how it’s done.

For industries like construction, workforce development, and business operations, staying ahead of these changes isn’t optional—it’s critical.

Read more: https://www.ocregister.com/2026/03/31/on-artificial-intelligence-policy-its-california-versus-congress/

The costs are mounting, and if California gets its way, the whole country will be left to pick up the tab.

03/30/2026

After more than a century, a true Los Angeles icon is saying goodbye—and it’s part of a much bigger story unfolding across California.

Cole’s French Dip, a downtown staple for 118 years, has officially closed its doors—marking the end of an era for one of the city’s oldest restaurants and the birthplace of the French dip sandwich.

But this isn’t just about one restaurant. Across California, longtime establishments are shutting down at an alarming rate as rising costs, labor pressures, regulations, and post-pandemic challenges continue to squeeze operators. Even the most historic and beloved spots are struggling to stay afloat.

Customers lined up for one final sendoff at Cole’s—but the reality is, many local favorites won’t get that moment.

If we want to preserve the character of our communities, it starts with supporting the restaurants that are still here.

Read more: https://abc7.com/post/coles-french-dip-closing-good-more-100-years-los-angeles/18802709/

Cole's French Dip, a beloved landmark in downtown Los Angeles, closed its doors for good on Sunday after 118 years in the city.

03/27/2026

𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆—𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻.

At a recent news conference, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) made it clear: rising costs, overregulation, and economic pressure are putting real strain on Main Street businesses. As one key takeaway put it, the “regulatory Leviathan is real and unrelenting.”

From energy and healthcare to taxes and labor policy, the conversation is shifting toward one critical question: how do we make it easier—not harder—for small businesses to survive and grow?

At Kabateck Strategies, we’re focused on helping clients navigate exactly these kinds of challenges—where policy, advocacy, and real-world impact intersect.

Read more: https://www.nfib.com/news/news/nfib-speaks-at-affordability-news-conference/

NFIB California Policy Director Tim Taylor gives small businesses' side of the affordability debate

03/20/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗹.

Join NFIB California for Small Business Leadership Day in Sacramento on May 4–5. This is your opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, engage directly with lawmakers, and advocate for the issues that impact your business every day.

From networking with industry peers to meeting with legislators, this event puts small business leaders front and center where decisions are made. If you want to shape the future of California’s business climate, this is where it starts.

Register now and be part of the conversation. https://www.nfib.com/news/news/nfib-member-event-small-business-leadership-day-in-sacramento/

California member event. Leadership Day 2026

03/19/2026

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗹.

NFIB California’s Small Business Leadership Day is happening May 4–5 in Sacramento, bringing together business owners from across the state for two days of connection, advocacy, and impact.

Kick things off with a networking reception and dinner, then head to the Capitol the next day to meet directly with legislators and discuss the issues shaping Main Street today. From taxes and regulations to workforce and economic policy, this is your opportunity to be part of the conversation that drives real change.

Be in the room. Be heard. Represent small business where it matters most.

👉 Register here:

California member event. Leadership Day 2026

03/13/2026

This week we helped convene an important conversation focused on youth mental health and the future of our communities.

Kabateck Strategies was proud to help coordinate a discussion alongside Glen Weiner, Executive Director of the Coalition to Empower Our Future, and former Montana Governor Steve Bullock. Bringing together leaders and advocates to address the challenges facing young people today is an important step toward building stronger support systems and ensuring the next generation has the resources they need to thrive.

Grateful to everyone who joined the discussion and continues working to support the mental health and well-being of our youth.

03/03/2026

Youth mental health is one of the defining challenges facing our communities today. Join us on March 12 in Sacramento for an important discussion bringing together national leaders, California policymakers, youth advocates, and community partners to examine the factors impacting young people and explore real, lasting solutions.

Hosted by the Coalition to Empower Our Future (CEF), this event will feature former Montana Governor Steve Bullock, former Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, and CEF Executive Director Glen Weiner.

Thursday, March 12, 2026
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Capitol Event Center
Sacramento, CA

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of youth wellbeing. RSVP today: https://pxl.to/rsvptoday

02/19/2026

New data from NFIB reveals just how much energy costs are squeezing small businesses.
Their first-ever energy survey of 775 small business owners found that ~80% say energy costs significantly impact their operations — limiting their ability to hire, retain talent, and grow.

Key takeaways:

⚡ Heating & cooling tops the list of primary energy expenses
⚡ Two-thirds experienced a power outage in the past year
⚡ Electric/hybrid vehicle adoption remains very limited despite interest in efficiency

For California's small business community, the message to policymakers is clear: energy policy decisions have real consequences on Main Street.

📊 Read the full findings → https://pxl.to/ttsc5zsp

02/13/2026

California’s legal climate has long been ranked among the worst in the nation, driving up costs for employers and discouraging investment across the state.

Roger Niello’s SB 84 offers a practical, commonsense reform by allowing businesses the opportunity to correct accessibility issues before facing costly lawsuits. Instead of rewarding abusive litigation tactics, SB 84 supports fairness, accountability, and real compliance — protecting small businesses while preserving the intent of ADA protections.

Reforming California’s “judicial hellhole” reputation is about restoring balance to our civil justice system and ensuring Main Street businesses can focus on creating jobs, not fighting frivolous lawsuits.

Learn more: https://pxl.to/dv8sdwft

02/03/2026

📣 California voters spoke clearly when they passed Proposition 36 — demanding stronger accountability for repeat retail theft and drug-related offenses to protect small businesses and restore public safety.

Now the next step is critical. Without full funding for implementation, the reforms voters approved cannot be fully enforced. Retailers across the state are still facing rising theft, higher insurance costs, and mounting security expenses.

Honoring the will of the voters means ensuring law enforcement, courts, probation, and treatment programs have the resources necessary to make these reforms work. Public safety and economic stability depend on it.

Read the full article to learn what’s at stake and why funding Proposition 36 matters now more than ever.

https://pxl.to/prop36