COUNCIL’S SACRAMENTO ADVOCACY PAID OFF IN 2015

As the deadline (Oct. 11) passed for the Governor to sign or veto bills, the Bay Area Council’s advocacy paid off in a big way as the Governor signed numerous bills that address key challenges faced by our region. With the unveiling our the Bay Area Council Economic Institute’s Report on 21st Century Infrastructure earlier this year, the Council has been a leader in advocating for friendlier policies that encourage robust communications and energy networks in California. As a result of this effort, the Governor signed AB 57 to streamline broadband infrastructure development.

In the areas of technology and cybersecurity, the Governor signed SB178, which will update our electronic privacy laws, as well as AB 229 to allow state employees to use sharing economy companies for state travel. Both of these bills were supported by the Council. To expand gender equality in California the Governor signed SB 358 updating the Fair Pay Act. The Council also scored a win in the area of commute improvement as the Governor signed AB 157 into law, which will improve traffic flow by expediting the process to open the third lane on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.

To engage in the Council’s government relations work, please contact Policy Manager Cornelious Burke.