SACRAMENTO “GRINDS TO HALT” AS COUNCIL DELEGATION TAKES OVER
Creating more housing, alleviating our region’s dreadful traffic congestion, ensuring that we establish robust 21st century infrastructure networks, addressing the current drought and making critical investments for a strong workforce of the future were among the topics of discussion during the Bay Area Council’s successful Sacramento Day on Monday, May 18th. The Council led a delegation of 70 business leaders to the State Capitol to meet with Governor Jerry Brown, top legislative leaders and administration officials to discuss our policy priorities. In the lead up to our gatherings, a wizened Sacramento observer, remarked so much institutional attention was being paid to the delegation’s arrival it seemed Sacramento “was grinding to a halt.”
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Our “Sacramento Day” commenced with a luncheon featuring Secretary of State Alex Padilla, who discussed the importance of increasing voter turnout and removing barriers for new companies to become registered with the State of California. The afternoon advocacy meetings were held in the Governor’s Council Room. The delegation had a very exclusive and candid meeting Governor Brown about his top priorities and the future of California. Additional meetings were held with other constitutional officers including Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, State Controller Betty Yee and Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma. From the legislative branch we met with Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, Senate President pro Tem Kevin de León, and Assembly Republican Leader Kristen Olsen. From the administration we heard from Cabinet Secretary Dana Williamson and Secretary of Transportation Brian Kelly.
Following the day of meetings the delegation enjoyed a reception and exclusive wine tasting featuring HALL Wines with 20 of the 24 members of the Bay Area Legislative Caucus. After the reception, the Council presented its 2015 Regionalist of the Year Award to Assemblyman Kevin Mullin for working with the Council to author Assembly Bill 378. This bill will enable responsible local, regional, and state agencies to immediately improve mobility on the Highway 101 corridor between San Francisco and San Jose. For the rest of the evening the delegation dined with Bay Area Legislative Caucus members at Esquire Grill.
Sacramento Day 2015 was made possible thanks to our very generous sponsors, including United Airlines, Kaiser Permanente, Visa, Lyft, Clear Channel Outdoor, Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation and HALL Wines. To engage in our government relations work, please contact Sacramento Policy Manager Cornelious Burke.
