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
The Biden-Harris Administration's $2.25 trillion, eight-year infrastructure proposal, the American Jobs Plan, continues evolving. On April 22, Senate Republicans released a counterproposal that includes $568 billion in investment over five years, including $61 billion for public transit. The Republic plan outlines principles for paying for the proposal that include taxing electric cars and repurposing unspent COVID relief funds.
Congresswoman Lee has recommended the District's request for $2 million in member designated project ("earmark") funding to the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. If approved, funds would be directed from the surface transportation bill reauthorization so that AC Transit can upgrade its hydrogen bus fueling infrastructure at Division 4 in East Oakland. The upgrade will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote the health of residents in this historically underserved community. However, the path to approving "earmark" requests remains uncertain. Congress has yet to determine if the surface t...
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