COUNCIL SCORES BIG WINS IN THE STATE CAPITOL

As the Legislature begins its month long summer recess today (July 17) several Bay Area Council-supported bills were passed by legislative policy committees this week. SB 670 was introduced at the request of the Bay Area Council. This bill re-establishes an employer child care credit to help eliminate the challenges many working families experience given the high cost of childcare. The bill passed unanimously by the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. The Bay Area provided expert testimony before the committee on the adverse economic impacts of not having a robust and affordable childcare system in California.

Two bills that address commute improvement were heard before Senate committees this week. AB 157 was unanimously passed by the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. This bill will help to deliver widespread congestion relief throughout Marin County by expediting the re-opening of the third lane on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The Senate Transportation and Housing Committee also unanimously passed AB 194 which would allow regional agencies to develop high occupancy toll lanes. To engage in the Council’s government relations work, contact Sacramento Policy Manager Cornelious Burke.