AeA Applauds Governor Schwarzenegger and California Legislature for Passage of High Tech Computer Software Professional Exemption

Sacramento, CA (October 2, 2008) - AeA, the nation's largest high-tech trade association representing all sectors of the industry, applauds Governor Schwarzenegger and commends the California Legislature for recognizing the importance of High Tech Wage and Hour Clarification with the passage and ultimate signature of AB 10, which would make clarifications to California Law in relation to highly paid high tech professionals.

"This is a good day for the high-tech industry in California," said Roxanne Gould, AeA’s Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs. "We want to especially thank Governor Schwarzenegger, Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico (D-Newark), Assembly Minority Leader Mike Villines (R-Fresno), Senate Minority Leader Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto), and Senator Elaine Alquist (D-San Jose) who were all champions for the industry on this very important issue."

AB 10 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger on September 30th and passed out of the Senate with a vote of 28 to 8, and passed out of the Assembly with a final vote of 54 to 18. AB 10 simply clarifies that a salaried high-tech worker earning at least $75,000 per year (and $6,250 per month) can be exempted under Labor Code 515.5 without having to have their hours tracked, a requirement that does not exist for lawyers, doctors or any other profession.

"The simple clarifications requested by the tech sector and included in the budget compromise are necessary for high-tech companies to continue to create new high-paying jobs in California. California's High Tech Industry currently pays, on average, 112% more than the average private sector employer," continued Gould.



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About AeA
AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, is dedicated solely to helping our members’ top line and bottom line. We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs. For more information, please visit www.aeanet.org.

This page was last updated on 10/06/08.