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
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
Following the mid-term elections, the House and Senate reconvened for a “lame duck” session that will extend through the end of the year. The most important issue for legislators over the next few weeks is the omnibus spending bill. Funding for the government will run out December 16. There is a desire to get a deal done that covers all of FY2023 but rumblings that the December 6 Georgia Senate runoff could disrupt any such effort.
At the time this report was written the election results had yet to be certified, but it is expected that Congressman John Garamendi, representing Congressional District 8 (CD-8), will win his election and become a member of AC Transit’s federal delegation. CD-8 includes communities served by AC Transit in western Contra Costa County that used to be represented by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier before his district’s boundaries were redrawn pursuant to the decennial census. Rep. Garamendi is a member of the important House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. All remaining members of the District’s federal delegation, including Senator Padilla and Representatives Lee, Swalwell and Khanna, also won re-election.
In the new Congress, it is expected that key transportation-related committees will be led by the following members.
House Appropriations Committee
• Republican: Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX)
• Democrat: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
House Transportation, and Housing & Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee
• Republican: TBD
• Democratic: TBD
House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
• Republican: Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO)
• Democrat: Either Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) or Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA)
Senate Appropriations Committee
• Republican: Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)
• Democrat: Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
Senate THUD Appropriations Subcommittee
• Republican: TBD, possibly Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AL) if re-elected
• Democrat: Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI)
Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
• Republican: Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)
• Democrat: Sen Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
On February 8, the District’s federal advocate will update the Board on final election outcomes, leadership and committee assignments, and the national political and legislative landscape for 2023.
State Update
The state estimates that the current rate of spending, coupled with inflation, will result in a $2.4 billion deficit by the end of FY 2022-23. This deficit could grow by another $20 billion in FY 2023-24. And if a recession develops, revenue loss could grow even more, to between $30 and $50 billion. Inflation will impact revenues, increase the cost of programs and projects, and make it much more difficult to secure additional transit operating funds. The Governor must submit his proposed budget to the legislature by January 10, 2023. The final budget must be passed by June 15, 2023.
Election results had yet to certified at the time this report was written, but it appears that Hayward City Councilmember Aisha Wahab will replace State Senator Bob Wieckowski, who was term limited out of office. Assemblymember Dr. Bill Quirk opted not to run for re-election. His seat will be filled by labor advocate Liz Ortega. All remaining members of the District’s Sacramento delegation who were up for re-election, including Assemblymembers Wicks, Bonta, and Lee, will return to office.
It is also expected that Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan will win re-election in the 16th Assembly District and become a member of the District’s Sacramento delegation. Due to redistricting, State Senators Steve Glazer and Susan Talamantes Eggman will join our Sacramento delegation, as well. Staff Report No. 22-166 details the communities represented by these legislators.
The legislature reconvened on December 5th. Current Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, who is termed out in 2024, will remain in the speaker through June 2023, at which time Assemblymember Robert Rivas is expected to assume the speakership.
On January 25, the District’s state advocate will update the Board on final election outcomes, leadership and committee assignments, and California’s political and legislative landscape in 2023.
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. 22-166: Monthly Legislative Report
Staff Report No. 21-541: 2022 Federal and State Advocacy Programs
Staff Report No. 22-466a: 2023 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