TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Monthly Legislative Report
BRIEFING ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ☐
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving the Monthly Legislative Report.
Staff Contact:
Beverly Greene, Executive Director of External Affairs, Marketing & Communications
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 policymaker 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
Congress averted a potential government shutdown a few days before the November 17 deadline. On November 14, the House passed their version of a continuing resolution (CR). The Senate passed the House CR the following day, and the President singed the short-term funding package into law on November 17. The CR extends government funding until January 19 for four spending bills: Agriculture, Energy & Water, Military Construction & Veteran’s Affairs, and Transportation, Housing & Urban Development. Funding for the rest of the federal government- the eight remaining bills- is extended until February 2. Lawmakers will resume negotiations on full year appropriations spending after Thanksgiving. If an agreement on federal spending is not reached by these new dates, and a new CR is not passed, the government could once again face a shutdown.
State Update
The legislature is on recess until January 3rd, 2024. During this time, staff remains deeply engaged in the process of shaping the legislation needed to place a regional transportation funding measure on the ballot in 2026 and will regularly update the Board on its progress.
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 No. 22-466a: 2023 Federal and State Advocacy Programs
Staff Report No. 23-420: Draft 2024 Federal and State Advocacy Programs
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Federal Update
2. State Update
3. State Matrix
4. 2023 Federal Advocacy Program
5. 2023 State Advocacy Program
Prepared by:
Steven C. Jones, External Affairs Representative
Approved/Reviewed by:
Claudia Burgos, Director of Legislative Affairs & Community Relations
Beverly Greene, Executive Director of External Affairs, Marketing & Communications