Legislative / Regulatory Alerts
UPDATE - JANAURY 16, 2012
Call to Action: Federal Transportation Funding Expires March 31!
Contact Your Congressional Representative and Senators Boxer and Feinstein!
With 77 days remaining until the expiration of the latest highway and transit funding authorization extension, AGC is kicking-off a comprehensive grassroots and communications campaign asking Congress to take action on a long-term funding bill before March 31. It's been over two years since the nation has had a long term funding strategy, and without a stable revenue source, we could see cuts in California's highway funding and the loss of thousands of construction jobs.
The campaign, called Make Transportation JOB #1, will continue to build momentum for passage of a reauthorization bill. The time to engage our member of Congress is now. Both the House and Senate are in positions to move their respective bills, but they need to be encouraged to ACT NOW.
The Senate Environment and Public Works and Commerce, Science and Transportation Committees have passed their portions of the Senate reauthorization bill, while the Banking and Finance Committees have yet to take action. Senate Majority Harry Reid has indicated that passing a reauthorization bill will be a top priority for the Senate when they return from their winter break.
The same can be said in the House where Speaker John Boehner has pledged to take action on the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, a bill that will link transportation authorization with expanded energy production. The Speaker's commitment, coupled with positive comments by House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee staff, are encouraging signs that a bill could be voted on in the House of Representatives prior to March 31.
Getting a highway and transit authorization bill passed in Congress and signed into law prior to March 31 will not be an easy task. It is vital that AGC members engage business associates (suppliers, subcontractors, insurance, bonding, financial services, etc.), labor organizations, and other non-construction businesses in this effort. We need a true team effort to get this done.
The Make Transportation JOB #1 campaign will officially kick-off this week, but you can get a head start by sending letters to your Congressional Representative and to Senators Boxer and Feinstein. Simply click here and follow the directions.
As always, thank you in advance with AGC's political action efforts.
UPDATE - DECEMBER 19, 2011
CARB Deadlines for Contractors are Approaching
Two weeks ago, AGC and its diesel emissions consultant, Sean Edgar, conducted another workshop on the California Air Resources Board Offroad and Onroad (Truck and Bus Rule) Diesel Emissions Regulations. Sean's PowerPoint Presentation provides a good overview, but we wanted to highlight some reporting requirements, other obligations, and suggestions that may be useful going forward. The bottom line is that contractors counting on the time extensions, downsizing credits, or phasing in the Truck and Bus Rule must report to CARB by January 31, 2012.
Offroad Rule Requirements
Although the compliance requirements for equipment turnover were pushed out to 2014 (for large fleets), 2017 (for medium fleets) and 2019 (for small fleets), contractors must still maintain a current and accurate DOORS account by reflecting changes to the fleet within 30 days. Large Fleets can expect to file the annual certification in January 2012.
Engineering evaluations, budgeting and procurement must occur prior to these deadlines, so contractors are encouraged to work with their equipment suppliers to predict and price out the future steps. Compliance monitoring and reporting is required to ensure that contractors meet the required turnover or fleet average percentages by the compliance dates for their fleet size. A new calculator is expected to be released by CARB that will facilitate the horizon planning, and Sean Edgar is available to assist contractors in that regard.
Truck and Bus Rule Requirements
The Truck and Bus Rule became California law on December 14, 2011 and requires all diesel trucks greater than 14,000 lbs gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to reduce particulate emissions between 2011 and 2023. Trucks greater than 26,000 lbs GVWR with 1996 to 1999 engines may need to take action by the end of this month, unless the owner takes action now to apply for a "Phase-in," downsizing, or "Low Mileage Construction Truck" compliance extension.
There has been no change proposed by CARB to the critical dates approved by the Board last December (Click Here). Truck owners need to:
- Determine how the end of year deadline requires them to retrofit or retire trucks
- Take action by December 31 to ensure they comply with the engine model year for the 1996-99 engines noted above, or meet 30% compliance for particulate matter
- Collect truck and engine data and report by the January 31, 2012 deadline to ensure any credits or extensions to which contractors are entitled are locked in.
The CARB Truck and Bus Upload and Compliance Reporting System (TRUCRS) is now open, and there is a small window of time to report by the deadline of January 31, 2012. Click Here for the reporting page.
Timely reporting is essential for fleet owners to obtain the Certificate of Reported Compliance. In order to avoid the penalties that can be extracted for dispatching non-compliant trucks, all parties in the construction supply chain should be prepared to ask for, or furnish, the CARB certificate.
Sean Edgar is available to help collect accurate data, compile the initial report, obtain the compliance certificate, prepare a Fleet Analysis using all legal credits or extensions under the Rule, and providing ongoing support relating to CARB. He can be reached by Email or phone at 1-855-CARB411.
As always, thank you in advance with AGC's political action efforts.
UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
Urgent Alert - Ask Governor Brown to Take Action on Final Bills
With just 19 days before Governor Jerry Brown must take action on the final bills on his desk, we wanted to remind you about three pieces of legislation thatare "bad" for the industry, and one bill that is "good" for the industry. Over the past several days, we have asked you to send e-mails to the Governor requesting a veto or signature on these bills. Over 450 of you have responded to our "ask"; however, we could use some more help!
If you haven't sent an email to the Governor requesting action on the bills below, please do so now.
Governor's Veto Requested
SB 922 - Project Labor Agreements - Prohibits state construction funding for local agencies that by ordinance or charter amendment prohibit project labor agreements. Click Here to send a veto request to the Governor.
AB 436 - Labor Compliance - Project Labor Agreements - Exempts school districts and other local public agencies from reimbursing the Department of Industrial Relations for labor compliance costs if the school district enters into a project labor agreement. Click Here to send a veto request to the Governor.
SB 833 (Vargas) - Gregory Canyon Landfill - Prohibits the construction of the Gregory Canyon Landfill in San Diego County. Click Here to send a veto request to the Governor.
Governor's Signature Requested
SB 293 - Payment Bonds Claims - Makes changes to the requirements for filing payment bond claims, as they relate to the direct relationship between a general contractor and subcontractor; decreases progress payment requirements from 10 days to 7 days; and limits retention on public works to 5%. Click Here to send a signature request to the Governor.
As always, thank you in advance for your assistance with AGC's political action efforts.
UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 19, 2011
Improvements Made to Contractor Payment Preactices - Ask Governor to Sign SB 293!
The construction industry has rallied around a bill that will ensure that general contractors and subcontractors are treated fairly and equitably when it comes to payment practices. The State Legislature agreed, voting 72-3 in the State Assembly, and 39-0 in the State Senate to pass SB 293, which has the following provisions:
- Makes changes to the requirements for filing payment bond claims, as they relate to the direct relationship between a general contractor and subcontractor.
- Decreases progress payment requirements from 10 days to 7 days.
- Limits retention on public works to 5% (from public agency to general contractor, general contractor to subcontractor, and subcontractor to subcontractor). A public agency may withhold more than 5% on "complex" projects.
SB 293 is the culmination of discussions for several years between general contractors, subcontractors, and public agencies, and it will allow for contractors to have an adequate cash flow as they build the state's infrastructure.
Call to Action
Please e-mail/mail the Governor and tell him to "Sign" SB 293. A letter has been drafted for you...simply Click Here and follow the instructions. It takes less than one minute to complete.
As always, thank you in advance with AGC's political action efforts.
UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 16, 2011
Voter Approved Project at Risk - Ask Governor to Veto SB 833!
San Diego County voters have twice approved of the Gregory Canyon Landfill to meet the demands of our growing community. It has met local planning and permitting requirements, as well as requirements of the California Integrated Waste Management Act, and the completion of this much-needed infrastructure project should move forward.
SB 833 would effectively kill the Gregory Canyon Landfill project, which will provide hundreds of good paying, highly skilled construction jobs in the near term and 150 permanent jobs over the long haul.
Call to Action
Please e-mail/mail the Governor and tell him to "Veto" SB 833. A letter has been drafted for you...simply Click Here and follow the instructions. It takes less than one minute to complete.
As always, thank you in advance with AGC's political action efforts.
UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
Fair and Open Competition at Risk - Ask Governor to Veto SB 922!
Last week, legislation related to health care (SB 922), was completely "gut and amended" by Democratic state legislators that effectively terminates Fair and Open Competition laws and Project Labor Agreement (PLA) bans enacted by local elected officials and local voters. It will nullify PLA bans at most local governments, and cut off state funding on projects for charter cities that ban PLAs.
SB 922 sailed through the State Legislature without much of a public hearing process, and it is now on the Governor's desk. We need your help to communicate to the Governor that SB 922 infringes on the right of direct democracy, and that it is not the role of the Legislature to "discipline" the citizens of a local government for passing an initiative and enacting an ordinance that the Legislature doesn't like.
Call to Action
Please e-mail/mail the Governor and tell him to "Veto" SB 922. A letter has been drafted for you...simply Click Here and follow the instructions. It takes less than one minute to complete.
As always, thank you in advance with AGC's political action efforts.
UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
Labor Compliance & PLAs Don't Mix - Ask Governor to Veto AB 436!
Last minute legislation (AB 436) by labor to require certain local governments to pay Labor Compliance Program fees to the state - unless they require their contractors to sign Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) with unions - has reached the Governor's desk.
Current law provides the state's Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) with the necessary resources to conduct required labor compliance monitoring and enforcement. However, AB 436 would exempt a school district or other covered public entity from having to reimburse DIR for labor compliance activities, where the school district or public entity has entered into a PLA.
AB 436 is not necessary, it "subcontracts" the Department of Industrial Relations' responsibility of enforcing prevailing wage to the grievance process contained in a PLA, and it could cost the state millions of dollars for labor compliance on projects without any reimbursements from public entities.
Call to Action
Please e-mail/mail the Governor and tell him to "Veto" AB 436. A letter has been drafted for you...simply Click Here and follow the instructions. It takes less than one minute to complete.
As always, thank you in advance with AGC's political action efforts.
UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 6, 2011
Stop Labor's Last-Minute Schemes to Force Local Governments and Contractors to Sign Project Labor Agreements
Two bills related to Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) will sail through the California State Legislature to the Governor this week, unless you act now!
SB 922 as amended 9/2, a new bill that effectively terminates Fair and Open Competition laws and PLA bans enacted by local elected officials and local voters. It will nullify PLA bans at most local governments, and cut off state funding on projects for charter cities that ban PLAs. This bill was created on September 2nd and authored by the top Democrats in the Assembly and Senate.
AB 436 as amended 8/30, a new bill that requires certain local governments to pay Labor Compliance Program fees to the state - unless they require their contractors to sign PLAs with unions. The bill is not necessary, it "subcontracts" the Department of Industrial Relations' responsibility of enforcing prevailing wage to the grievance process contained in a PLA, and it could cost the state millions of dollars for labor compliance on projects without any reimbursements from local school districts. Click Here to view AGC's opposition letter.
Soon, a new union argument for PLA's will be that they "save money because you don't have to pay for labor compliance!" This bill was created on August 30th, and at the first hearing the Democrat committee chairman said he didn't understand why labor unions wanted less labor compliance, but "if the unions wanted it, he would vote for it."
Call to Action- These bills are nearly through the legislative process, so we need your help to express opposition. An email or a phone call to legislators would be appropriate at this time.
SB 922 will be heard in the Assembly Business, Professions, and Consumer Protection Committee. Please contact the following committee members and tell them to oppose SB 922:
Mary Hayashi - Chair
(916) 319-2018
Assemblymember.Hayashi@assembly.ca.gov
Bill Berryhill - Vice Chair
(916) 319-2026
Assemblymember.Bill.Berryhill@assembly.ca.gov
Michael Allen
(916) 319-2007
Assemblymember.Allen@assembly.ca.gov
Betsy Butler
(916) 319-2053
Assemblymember.Butler@assembly.ca.gov
Mike Eng
(916) 319-2049
Assemblymember.Eng@assembly.ca.gov
Curt Hagman
(916) 319-2060
Assemblymember.Hagman@assembly.ca.gov
Jerry Hill
(916) 319-2019
Assemblymember.Hill@assembly.ca.gov
Fiona Ma
(916) 319-2012
Assemblymember.Ma@assembly.ca.gov
Cameron Smyth
(916) 319-2038
Assemblymember.Smyth@assembly.ca.gov
AB 436 is on the Senate Floor. Please contact the following local legislators and tell them to oppose both bills:
Joel Anderson
916-447-9008
Senator.Anderson@sen.ca.gov
Christine Kehoe
916-327-2188
Senator.Kehoe@sen.ca.gov
Juan Vargas
916-327-3522
Senator.Vargas@sen.ca.gov
Mark Wyland
916-446-7382
Senator.Wyland@sen.ca.gov
If you don't know the legislators who represent your home and/or office, go to this Website, put in your zip code, and see who they are. If you get more than one listing, contact all of them.
As always, thank you for your help with AGC's political action efforts!
UPDATE - JUNE 29, 2011
State Legislative Approves Budget as Governor Vetoes Bill That Would Have Allowed Easier Unionization
Last night, the California Legislature, with only Democrats voting in favor, approved a state budget and sent it to the Governor for approval. As that was occurring, the Governor vetoed a bill that would have let farmworkers unionize more easily (“card check”).
State Budget
The Governor’s effort to strike a budget with a handful of Republicans to extend several state taxes until a statewide vote could be held to decide on a permanent extension came to an abrupt close last weekend.
Yesterday, Governor Brown, Speaker Perez, and Pro Tem Steinberg outlined a package that was similar to the June 15 Democrats' budget that the Governor vetoed, with some of the gimmicks replaced with rosier revenue scenarios of $4 billion more than assumed in the budget passed two weeks ago. If the revenues don't materialize, $2.5 billion in cuts will be automatically triggered in a three-tier priority system, with any remaining shortfall kicked into 2012-13.
The “trigger” plan requires the Governor’s Department of Finance to certify on December 15 whether the $4 billion projection is accurate. The Department is required to choose between its own forecast and the Legislative Analyst's, whichever is higher. The "trigger" cuts are essentially in three tiers outlined below, based on how much of the extra $4 billion comes in – or doesn’t come in.
- Tier 0: If the state gets $3 billion to $4 billion of the money, the state will not impose additional cuts and roll over any balance of the problem into the 2012-13 budget.
- Tier 1: If the state gets $2 billion to $3 billion of the money, the state will impose about $600 million of cuts and roll over the remainder into the 2012-13 budget. The $600 million in cuts include:
- $100 million cut to University of California
- $100 million cut to California State University
- $100 million cut to In-Home Supportive Services hours
- $100 million cut to Department of Developmental Services
- $80 million cut to public safety programs
- $30 million cut to community colleges, which will trigger a $10/unit fee hike
- $23 million across-the-board cut to childcare funding
- $20 million cut to Department of Corrections
- $16 million cut to California State Library in library grants
- $15 million cut related to Medi-Cal Managed Care
- $15 million cut to California Emergency Management Agency
- $10 million cut to Department of Social Services
- Tier 2: If the state gets $0 to $2 billion of the money, the state will also impose as much as $1.9 billion in additional cuts, proportionate to revenues:
- $1.5 billion reduction to K-12 schools that allows districts to drop seven classroom days. That would lower the required total to 168 days, down from 180 days three years ago.
- $248 million cut that eliminates school bus transportation
- $72 million cut to community colleges
All cuts would take effect January 1, 2012, except for the school year reduction, which districts could impose starting February 1, 2012.
This action sets up a January showdown if the revenues don't materialize. No voters, Democratic or Republican, want a shorter school year.
The three biggest questions with the plan:
- Will the revenues materialize, or will the “January Joust” occur?
- Will redevelopment agencies, essentially eliminated under the plan, be successful with their planned lawsuit? At stake is $1.7 billion in revenue.
- Will anybody sue over the Proposition 98 gimmickry that relies on a shift of sales tax revenue to local government as a way to recognize new revenue, while ignoring the formula that would ordinarily require about 40% to go to K-14?
The only way anybody wins with this budget is higher or new revenues. This would avoid or soften the triggered cuts Democrats would hate, and would allow Republicans to return to the time-honored argument that lower taxes drive higher tax revenues.
Veto of “Card Check” Legislation
Just one hour before midnight, Governor Brown vetoed a bill that would have eliminated an agricultural employee’s democratic right to cast an independent vote in a secret ballot election regarding whether to unionize. The veto of SB 104, which was approved by the State Legislature along partisan lines, created a frenzy outside the Governor’s office, as over a dozen legislators and 100 farmworkers asked for the Governor to come out of his office (he was not there).
In one of its alerts to legislators, the California Chamber of Commerce, which identified SB 104 as a “Job Killer” bill, writes “the current provisions of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (“ALRA”) adequately protect the rights and interests of employees and employers, as well as unions. Modeled on the National Labor Relations Act, the ALRA affords agricultural employees the opportunity to select - or to refrain from selecting - a particular union as their collective bargaining representative through a formal and secure secret ballot election. Each employee votes in a private booth, without any pressure or coercion from the employer, union or co-employees. In this way, the employees’ true and current preferences on unionization are reliably determined.”
Brown said in his veto message that the bill is a "drastic change" to the state's agricultural labor relations act, and he said, "I appreciate the frustrations that have given rise to it."
However, he wrote, "I am not yet convinced that the far reaching proposals of this bill - which alter in a significant way the guiding assumptions of the ALRA - are justified. Before restructuring California's carefully crafted agricultural labor law, it is only right that the legislature consider legal provisions that more faithfully track its original framework."
Dave Ackerman, AGC’s Legislative Advocate, and Brad Barnum, Vice President Government Relations
UPDATE - JUNE 28, 2011
Democratically-Controlled State Legislature Expected to Pass Governor's Budget
$9.6 Billion of Budget Deficit to be Plugged Just as Statewide 1% Sales Tax is Set to Expire on June 30
With only a simple majority now required to pass California’s budget, the State Legislature is poised to vote today on a “handshake budget” deal between Governor Jerry Brown and Democratic leaders to bridge a $9.6 billion deficit. This comes just two days before the 1% state sales tax is set to expire.
This budget is different from the one approved by the Legislature a couple of weeks ago (the Governor vetoed the budget because there were too many deep cuts), in that it assumes a $4 billion increase in unexpected revenue. If the projected revenues do not come in, there will be a series of automatic cuts to the University of California, California State University, California Department of Corrections, and the Department of Health Services.
Here are just a few of the budget actions we can expect to see:
- $150 million cut each to University of California, California State University
- $150 million cut to state courts
- $200 million in Amazon online tax enforcement
- $2.8 billion in deferrals to K-12 schools and community colleges
- $300 million from $12 per vehicle increase in DMV registration fee
- $150 million from fire fee for rural homeowners
- $1.7 billion from redevelopment agencies
With the state still facing a "wall of debt," as described by Governor Brown, this battle between Democrats and Republicans is far from over. The tax issue will not go away anytime soon, and we can expect further discussions on spending caps and pension reform.
AGC will continue to monitor the situation in Sacramento and will provide a more detailed analysis on the budget and its impact to the construction industry.
CALL TO ACTION - APRIL 27, 2011
$2 Billion of Highway & Transit Projects Promised to Voters at Risk!
Legislation moving through the halls in our State Capitol would halt over $2 billion of vitally needed highway and transit projects on the busiest transportation corridor in San Diego County. SB 468, authored by Senator Christine Kehoe, has already passed its first committee hearing and is headed to the Senate Transportation Committee on May 3.
Background - Improving the Interstate 5 North Coast Corridor, reducing traffic congestion, and providing balanced transportation options has been part of the region’s plans for more than 20 years. San Diego County voters agreed in 2004, when over two-thirds voted to extend the TransNet sales tax an additional 40 years to fund major highway and transit projects throughout the region.
The proposed I-5 improvements are part of a new Express Lanes network planned throughout the San Diego region to provide priority and faster travel times to carpools, vanpools, and public transit. Through pricing, solo drivers also will be able to pay a fee to access any unused capacity on the new Express Lanes, with the revenue raised invested back into public transit services in the I-5 corridor.
SB 468 prioritizes public transit over highway improvements, and it would effectively prevent construction of any new highway project located along California’s coast. The bill also circumvents the extensive regional transportation planning process, which has resulted in a comprehensive Regional Transportation Plan with specific phasing and funding priorities.
Call to Action - SB 468 will halt $2 billion of projects on I-5, and your help is needed to defeat this unnecessary, burdensome, and costly legislation. We have drafted a letter (may be modified if you wish) for you to e-mail or mail to each of the members of the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee (including Christine Kehoe). Simply Click Here and follow the instructions. It takes less than one minute to complete.
As always, thank you for your help with AGC’s political action efforts!
CARB Annouces Special Compliance Option for California On-Road Diesel Fleets
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced in its “Truck and Bus” regulations an early action compliance credit for trucking fleets that install a particulate filter by July 1, 2011, or that make a commitment to purchase a particulate filter by May 1, 2011. By installing a particulate filter early on one truck, the fleet will be able to delay compliance for a second truck in the fleet until January 1, 2017.
The early action “buy-one-get-one-free” credit applies to heavier trucks with a manufacturers gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 lbs. There is no limit on how many trucks in the fleet can earn the early action credit.
“California fleets need to act now in order to take advantage of this special offer to clean up their fleets so that they are further along in complying with CARB’s diesel reduction regulations,” said CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols. “Acting now not only makes good business sense, it also means communities can breathe cleaner air sooner.”
Fleets that install a particulate matter filter by July 1, 2011, will get the early action credit. Fleets that have made the commitment to purchase by May 1 and install the PM filter after July 1, 2011, will still receive early action credit. In addition, the vehicle that is retrofitted would also be compliant until 2020 regardless of engine model year. Extra particulate filter credits are not available for filters installed to comply with other pre-existing CARB regulations or, if partially paid for by public funding.
Fleets are required to report information about all of their heavier trucks that operate in California by January 31, 2012, to use the phase-in option and to claim the early action credit plus other credits.
On December 17, 2010, CARB made amendments to the Truck and Bus regulations in order to offer businesses a variety of options to comply with regulations to reduce soot from diesel engines while assuring that California continues to meet its air quality obligations and public health.
On December 11, 2008, CARB approved the Truck and Bus regulation to control emissions from nearly all existing diesel powered heavy-duty trucks and buses operating in California and became effective under California law on January 8, 2010. The regulation applies to diesel fueled trucks and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 14,000 lbs. that are privately owned, federally owned, and to publicly and privately owned school buses.
For more information on the Truck and Bus regulation, Click Here, or call 1-866-6DIESEL. You can also contact AGC’s Diesel Emissions Consultant, Sean Edgar at 916-718-7050.
UPDATE - APRIL 11, 2011
White House, Congressional Leaders Agree to Budget Deal, Avert Shutdown
On Friday night, a budget deal was reached in Congress. AGC of America issued the following statement:
“After several long weeks of negotiations, the White House and House Republicans announced in the late hours of April 8 that they have agreed on a budget deal that would fund the government through FY 2011. The deal would cap 2011 appropriations near or below $1.050 trillion while cutting domestic and foreign aid by approximately $38 billion from the rate of spending at the beginning of this Congress. Additional details of the deal have not yet been released and it is unclear how deep the cuts will affect the major portions of Federal funding for construction projects nationwide.
The deal was announced in a joint statement by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker John Boehner, which said, "We have agreed to an historic amount of cuts for the remainder of this fiscal year, as well as a short-term bridge that will give us time to avoid a shutdown while we get that agreement through both houses and to the President. We will cut $78.5 billion below the President’s 2011 budget proposal, and we have reached an agreement on the policy riders. In the meantime, we will pass a short-term resolution to keep the government running through Thursday. That short-term bridge will cut the first $2 billion of the total savings."
In order to get the deal passed through regular order, Congress late last night passed a short-term budget deal that keeps the Federal government funded through the rest of the coming week. Final passage of the FY 2011 budget would be voted on by the time that extension expires.
Previously, AGC issued guidance to assist contractors engaged in work with the Federal government should the government shutdown. AGC now looks forward to examining the FY 2011 budget deal in detail and will continue to advocate for sound investment in our nation's infrastructure as consideration of the FY 2012 budget commences.”
UPDATE - MARCH 29, 2011
Jobs Tax Proposal to be Heard at San Diego City Council Committee
On Wednesday, the City of San Diego Land Use & Housing Committee (LU&H) will consider a recommendation by the San Diego Housing Commission to DOUBLE the so-called "linkage fees" charged to commercial-industrial construction and tenant improvements for the purpose of funding affordable housing in the City of San Diego.
They are also proposing to put this fee on AUTO-INCREASE going forward, no longer requiring a vote of our elected officials to increase this job killer fee. This action is being taken despite a historic recession and without regard for the concerns voiced by the business community that this would further inhibit jobs creation and economic recovery in San Diego.
Your action is needed TODAY to voice your opposition to the members of the City Council LU&H Committee. We are asking the Council to oppose this ill-conceived increase in what we consider to be a jobs tax. We are asking the Council to look at other broad-based funding alternatives that will help provide affordable housing.
Call to Action: Please e-mail the members of the LU&H Committee (Alvarez, Faulconer, Gloria, Lightner) and encourage them to oppose this jobs tax!
A letter has been drafted for you…simply Click Here and follow the instructions. It takes less than one minute to complete.
As always, thank you in advance with AGC’s political action efforts.
UPDATE - JANUARY 10, 2011
Cuts to Highway Funding Allowed by Congress
Last week, AGC members throughout San Diego County and the rest of the country sent e-mails and called their Republican Congressional Representatives asking them to vote “no” on a rules package that included a provision that has the potential to dramatically alter the process Congress uses to provide funding for highway and transit programs. Unfortunately, our efforts were unsuccessful…
The new rule repeals the guaranteed funding requirement for annual federal highway investment and the House Point of Order that protects and enforces that guarantee. These guaranteed funding levels are established by the multi-year surface transportation authorization and have been protected since 1998 from any legislation that would fund the programs below the authorized levels.
During a closed meeting of the Republican Conference, an amendment was offered that would have retained some of the guarantees of the program while giving the House members a chance to cut funding through floor amendments. While the AGC-supported amendment failed, several Republican Members of Congress – including newly elected members – expressed their support for keeping the current rule in place.
We must remain committed to working with the full Congress on enacting a multi-year highway bill. The current extension of the program expires on March 4. As that date approaches, AGC will again ask for additional grassroots support for extending the program at current funding levels. It is likely that the move to cut overall federal spending during the 112th Congress will include efforts to cut surface transportation funding.
UPDATE - JANUARY 3, 2011
House Rules Change Will Undermine Highway Trust Fund Spending - Action Requested Now
One of the first actions of the incoming House Republican majority this week will be to adopt revised rules for operating the chamber in 2011 and 2012. In releasing the proposed rules, the House Republican leadership indicated that the changes are intended to increase transparency and make it easier to cut federal spending.
Among the proposed rules is a repeal of the guaranteed funding requirement for annual federal highway investment and the House point of order that enforces the guarantee. These guaranteed investment levels are based on revenue flowing into the Highway Trust Fund (HTF).
Prior to the adoption of this guarantee in 1998, it was common for Congress to limit HTF spending to off-set deficit spending in other parts of the overall federal budget. Because HTF spending was limited, the balance grew and highway users were not receiving the benefit of the fees they paid for highway improvements.
House Republicans will vote on this package of rule changes on Tuesday, January 4. You are urged to contact Congress Members Bilbray, Hunter, and Issa, and ask them and point out the damage this rule change would have on state transportation programs, the transportation construction industry and employment.
Please click on to each link below to send an e-mail (a letter has been drafted for you) to Congress Members Bilbray, Hunter, and Issa. Time is short, and it is vital that they hear from you.
Brian Bilbray
Duncan Hunter
Darrell Issa
As always, thank you in advance with AGC’s political action efforts.
UPDATE - JANUARY 3, 2011
Contractors Face New Laws in 2011
On January 1, 2011, most legislation that was passed into law in 2010 will be enacted. As a contractor and a company doing business in California, several of these laws will have an impact on the way you do business in 2011 and beyond
We have put together a four page summary (click here) from our Legislative Advocate in Sacramento that provides a brief description of each bill. The descriptions are not intended to cover every aspect of the legislation – only the highlights. It is recommended that specific bill language be reviewed for complete details.
If you have specific interest in any of the bills, please access the Internet at www.leginfo.ca.gov. Click on “Bill Information”, and under “Session” click on “(2009-2010) Prior”, then type in the bill number. If you have any questions or difficulty, please contact Brad Barnum, Vice President Government Relations, at 858-731-8158 or at bbarnum@agcsd.org.
###
Contact: Brad Barnum / Vice President Government Relations - 858-731-8158
HOME | How to Join | Apprenticeship | Privacy| SITEMAP
