TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Salvador Llamas, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Monthly Legislative Report
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ?
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving the Monthly Legislative Report.
Staff Contact:
Claudia Burgos, Executive Director of External Affairs and Customer Experience
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
The Monthly Legislative Report tracks state, regional, and federal legislation to ensure alignment with the District's Strategic Plan and its goal of maintaining strong public and policymaker support. Policy decisions at all levels can impact District operations and revenues, making ongoing monitoring and engagement essential.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with this report.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Federal Update
The federal government shutdown ended on November 12, with workers returning to work the following day. The current agreement keeps the government open only until January 30, 2026.
In the meantime, the Department of Transportation submitted two proposals to reduce federal funding for transit. The first proposal would eliminate the Mass Transit Account in the Highway Trust Fund and divert that funding to construct highways. The second proposal would stop the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) from funding transit projects and block states from using highway formula funds for transit. These proposals were sent to the White House for possible inclusion in the upcoming surface transportation bill.
Rep. Simon introduced the "Rapid Intervention and Deterrence for Enhanced Rider Safety Act" - the RIDERS Act. This bill was previously called the "Transit Ambassador and Public Safety Enhancement Act," which the Board voted to support at its July meeting. The substance of the bill has not changed - it would allow federal ...
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