TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Monthly Legislative Report
BRIEFING ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving the monthly legislative report.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
The monthly legislative report helps the District track state, regional and federal legislation to ensure alignment with the District’s Strategic Plan and the specific goal of having strong public and policy maker support. Policy decisions at all levels of government can positively or negatively affect District operations and as such, are important to track and influence as needed.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with this report.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Federal Update
Before adjourning in late December, the House and Senate sent to the President two bills that funded the federal government through September 30, the end of FY 2020. The bill includes:
• $1 billion for National Infrastructure Investments (TIGER/BUILD), $100 million above the 2019 level. The bill ensures parity between urban and rural awards.
• $48.6 billion for the Federal Highway Administration. This fully funds the FAST Act authorization.
o $2.2 billion for discretionary Highway Infrastructure Programs
o $1.15 billion for a risk-based bridge rehabilitation and reconstruction program.
• $12.9 billion for the Federal Transit Administration, $503 million below the 2019 level.
o $1.978 billion for Capital Investment Grants, $575 million below the 2019 level.
o $510 million for Transit Infrastructure Grants, which are provided in addition to the FAST Act authorized funding levels. This amount includes $168 for formula bus grants, $170 million for competitive bus grants, $40 million for rural formula grants, $75 million for low- and no-emission buses, and $8.5 million for competitive grants to areas of persistent poverty.
State Update
The state legislature resumed the second year of the current legislative session on January 6, 2020. Key dates for the 2020 legislative calendar are as follows:
• Jan. 17 Last day for policy committees to hear and report to fiscal committees’ fiscal bills introduced in their house in the odd-numbered year
• Jan. 24 Last day for any committee to hear and report to the floor bills introduced in that house in the odd-numbered year. Last day to submit bill requests to the Office of Legislative Counsel
• Jan. 31 Last day for each house to pass bills introduced in that house in the odd- numbered year
• Feb. 21 Last day for bills to be introduced
• Apr. 24 Last day for policy committees to hear and report to fiscal committees’ fiscal bills introduced in their house
• May 1 Last day for policy committees to hear and report to the floor non-fiscal bills introduced in their house
• May 8 Last day for policy committees to meet prior to June
• May 15 Last day for fiscal committees to hear and report to the floor bills introduced in their house. Last day for fiscal committees to meet prior to June 1
• May 29 Last day for each house to pass bills introduced in that house
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
This report is provided to inform the Board of monthly legislative activities. Ensuring favorable legislation is adopted by policymakers helps further the District’s goal of having strong public and policymaker support.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
There were no alternatives considered as this report provides an update of monthly legislative activities.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
State Report 19-001a: 2019 Federal and State Legislative Advocacy Programs.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Federal Update from Van Scoyoc Associates
2. 2019 Federal Advocacy Program
3. 2019 State Advocacy Program
Prepared by:
Claudia Burgos, Director of Legislative Affairs and Community Relations
Approved/Reviewed by:
Beverly Greene, Executive Director of External Affairs, Marketing & Communications