Water, Taxes Highlight Gov. Relations Committee Agenda

The Government Relations Committee under the leadership of Co-Chairs Andrew Giacomini of Hanson Bridgett and Peter Brightbill of Wells Fargo on Thursday (March 3) welcomed state Board of Equalization member Fiona Ma and Sean Elsbernd, deputy director for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Ma talked about her future political plans and also outlined the need for reform at the Board of Equalization, which administers California’s tax system. Elsbernd briefed the Committee on Sen. Feinstein’s work to reach bipartisan agreement on a new federal water bill and acknowledged a recent meeting with Water Committee Co-Chair Jim Levine on the Council’s work to craft a sweeping proposal for improving management of the state water system. Council CEO Jim Wunderman updated the Committee on the Council’s support of regional Measure AA on the June ballot to raise $500 million for wetlands restoration and shoreline protection, and thanked Sen. Feinstein for her leadership over many years in making the measure happen. To engage in the Council’s government relations work, please contact Senior Vice President Matt Regan.