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 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 October 21, the Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed to pass a $500 billion federal relief bill that included:
* $258 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program and other small business aid
* $105 billion for Education Stabilization Fund to help schools adapt to COVID (either remote or in-person)
* $47 billion for COVID testing, diagnostics, vaccines, PPE, and contact tracing
* $15 billion for federal programs to provide childcare services, including Child Care Development Block Grant
* Unemployment benefits enhanced by $300 per week
* Liability protections for businesses, health care providers, schools, and other entities against COVID-related personal injury claims
* $10 billion in Postal Service aid
* Tax benefits for charitable giving, schooling, and childcare services
* Improvements to the Strategic National Stockpile of medical supplies and equipment
* Nine-month extension of the deadline for state and local government aid under the Coronavirus Relief Fund
The vote was 51-44, with nearly all Democrats opposed over concerns that more money was needed to combat the virus and help Ameri...
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