TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Monthly Legislative Report
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving the monthly legislative report and approval of legislative positions.
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 revenues 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
On July 1, the House voted 233-188 to approve H.R. 2, “The Moving Forward Act.” The vote was largely along party lines, with three Republicans voting for the bill and two Democrats voting against it. The $1.5 trillion bill includes provisions of the $494 billion, five-year surface transportation bill approved last month by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
According the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would require a transfer of $145 billion from the General Fund to the Highway Trust Fund. That compares to the FAST Act, passed five years ago, which required a General Fund transfer of $70 billon.
Staff recommends a support position on H.R. 2, “The Moving Forward Act.”
State Update
ACA 5: Government preferences, staff recommends a support position.
The California Constitution, pursuant to provisions enacted by the initiative Proposition 209 in 1996, prohibits the state from discriminating against, or granting preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting. The California Constitution defines the state for these purposes to include the state, any city, county, public university system, community college district, school district, special district, or any other political subdivision or governmental instrumentality of, or within, the state. This measure would repeal these provisions.
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:
Staff Report 20-011: 2020 Federal and State Legislative Advocacy Programs.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Federal Update from Van Scoyoc Associates
2. State Update from Platinum Advisors
3. State Matrix
4. 2020 Federal Legislative Program
5. 2020 State Legislative Program
Prepared by:
Claudia Burgos, Director of Legislative Affairs and Community Relations
Approved/Reviewed by:
Beverly Greene, Executive Director of External Affairs, Marketing & Communications