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 January 20, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn-in as the 46th President and Vice President of the United States. Later that evening, President Biden swore into office over 1,000 new federal political appointees to positions that do not require Senate confirmation - among them, Nuria Fernandez as Deputy Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Ms. Fernandez was previously General Manager of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). It is anticipated that Deputy Administrators will eventually be nominated as the agency Administrators. By starting as deputies, those selected can begin to work right away without having to wait for Senate confirmation, which is required of Administrators.
The day following his inauguration, President Biden signed an Executive Order to promote safety in domestic and international travel, which included a directive for the Secretary of Transportation and other department heads to require face coverings in airports and on commercial aircraft, trains, public maritime vessels, intercity bus serv...
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