Council Notches Its Best Legislative Record in Years

The Bay Area Council was poised to notch its best legislative record in years with the deadline for Gov. Jerry Brown to sign or veto bills coming today (Sept. 30). The Council scored wins in all but one of its lead policy areas, including housing, transportation and workforce development. In the area of commute improvement, the Governor signed AB 1592, AB 1889, AB 2126 and AB 2763 into law. AB 1592 authored by Assemblywoman Bonilla authorizes the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to conduct testing of autonomous vehicles. AB 1889 authored by Assemblyman Kevin Mullin helps the state access Proposition 1A high speed rail bond proceeds for the Caltrain electrification and modernization project. AB 2126, also authored by Assemblyman Kevin Mullin, will expedite congestion relief improvements on Highway 101 between San Francisco and San Jose. AB 2763 authored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto helps ride-sharing companies like Lyft expand their driver networks.

The Governor also took action on several bills supported by the Council to create a skilled workforce of the future. AB 2329 authored by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla will broaden the pool of computer science teachers and will promote computer science education in our school system.  SB 66 authored by Senator Connie Leyva will help community colleges measure and improve career technical education programs. The Council was also successful in advocating for the Governor to veto SB 959, which would have increased cost on the University of California system. To engage in the Council’s government relations work, please contact Policy Manager Cornelious Burke.