Story by Enzo Marino and Heather Harbin.

Day one of the 11th annual KHTS Sacramento Road Trip wrapped up Monday with over 100 community members getting the opportunity to hear about a variety of issues affecting the Santa Clarita Valley.

California Business Roundtable President Rob Lapsley speaking about the 2016 economic overview.

Monday’s first meeting at the capitol building featured two speakers. Rob Lapsley of California Business Roundtable spoke of 2016’s economic outlook and Ed Lucia of Edvoice spoke about California’s education system.

Although Lapsley said that California’s strongest sectors are health care, tourism and venture capitalism, he reminded those in attendance that over one million taxpayers have left California for tax friendlier states like Arizona, Nevada and Texas.

“We need a lot of changes to be competitive,” Lapsley said. “California’s business climate is not sustainable with the current legislation.”

Lapsley went on to say that there will be a huge pushback to change California’s current business laws next year, and cited public employee labor unions as the main reason that business owners are moving their operations elsewhere.

Lucia told the audience that education is an $80 billion a year industry in California and although some California school districts are allotting $35,000 per student, many are graduating high school only to take remedial english and math in college.

The day concluded with a special dinner, featuring Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor, who spoke mainly about Governor Jerry Brown’s budget to the crowd of community leaders.

“The state of the state is in a much, much better condition,” said Taylor.

Taylor then addressed the governor’s budget, calling it a “cautious strategy. It’s there for when there are downturns.”

Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, announced his endorsement of Scott Wilk for Senator Sharon Runner’s seat in Senate District 21.

Schools were delegated an “enormous amount” of money, approximately $4 billion, said Taylor, adding that the state “is not telling you how to spend the money.”

Approximately $5.7 billion is delegated for “additional reserves,” said Taylor.

The crowd was then allowed the opportunity to ask questions to the legislative analyst, which included topics such as proposition 47, bonds, unfunded liabilities and the high-speed rail.

Also during the dinner, Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, announced his endorsement of Scott Wilk for Senator Sharon Runner’s seat in Senate District 21.

Tuesday is expected to kick off with California Transportation Commission Executive Director Will Kempton to speak about transportation.

Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen from Assembly District 12 is expected to follow Kempton and speak about high education.

Senator Jim Beall will then speak about mental health, followed by H.D. Palmer, deputy director for external affairs with the California Department of Finance, speaking about the budget.

Chevron Corporation Senior Consultant K.C. Bishop is set to speak about how climate change impacts businesses after a short lunch break.

Nate Bradley and Randy Perry is expected to then discuss marijuana regulation.

Senator Fran Pavely is scheduled to speak regarding water, to be followed by Jeremy Merz and Jason Schmelzer speaking about workers compensation.

Assemblyman Richard Bloom with Assembly District 50 is set to speak about the 2016 climate change agenda.

Wilk will then offer closing remarks and participants will depart Sacramento at approximately 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Click here for further information about the trip, and to see details of previous trips.

The 2016 KHTS Sacramento Road Trip is sponsored by the Castaic Lake Water Agency, Southern California Gas Company, Union Bank, Chiquito Canyon, California Credit Union and Assemblyman Scott Wilk.