One of every six U.S. employers that closed permanently in 2008 was in California, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration using bankruptcy court data.

A proposed toll increase for the seven state-owned bridges that crisscross the San Francisco Bay could double the cost for trucks.

Under the proposal, a typical five-axle truck would pay $25 to cross any one of the seven bridges. A trip today is only $11.25. This is a 122% fee increase at a time when few can pass it on effectively, especially construction trucks.

The House of Representatives is expected to act on a series of bills this week that would keep federal highway and transit funds flowing through FY 2010 and provide major new surface transportation investments to boost job creation and economic recovery.  The actions will be split up among a series of legislative packages, some of which will clear both chambers this year and some that would not likely see action in the Senate until 2010.