Council Advocates for Key Issues in D.C.

Restoring funding for high speed rail, easing U.S.-China trade tensions and reversing elements of recent tax reform that punish California were among the key issues the Bay Area Council brought to D.C. this week in advocacy meetings with top legislators and administration officials. Led by Council Chair and Kaiser Permanente CEO Bernard J. Tyson, the delegation of Bay Area business and government leaders met with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Reps. Anna Eshoo, John Garamendi, Eric Swalwell, Jimmy Panetta and Josh Harder. The Council talked with Transportation Undersecretary Derek Kan about restoring funding for high speed rail that the Trump Administration announced it is withdrawing over concerns about progress on the project. Increasing funding for homelessness and boosting federal support for low-income housing also figured prominently in discussion with policy makers. The Council extends its thanks to Alaska Airlines and Oracle for sponsoring the trip.