Get documents about "Coast Benefit Analysis of the Health Care Reform Bill - DOC
Description
Coast Benefit Analysis of the Health Care Reform Bill document sample
Document Sample
SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
www.SouthwestCaliforniaAdvocacy.biz
Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce
Murrieta Chamber of Commerce
Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce
MEETING AGENDA
Monday, March 19, 2007
12:00pm
University of Redlands
27270 Madison, Suite 200
Temecula, CA 92590
Presiding: Dennis Frank, Chair
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair’s Report
Status of AB 401
Media Policy Posted on the Website
Inland Empire Caucus Letter Update
OSHPD Letter Update
Meeting Minutes Procedures
Recent Press Releases:
o Business Community Takes a Stand on Health Care Reform
o Business Community Supports Redistricting Efforts
o Business Community Protects Business Interests in Regional Air Quality Plan
o Southwest California Business Community Sets Its 2007 Legislative Priorities
Agenda
1. Approval of February 2007 Minutes ACTION
2. Legislative Report #1 ACTION
3. Let’s Get Moving Campaign INFORMATION
Local, State, Federal Legislative Staff Updates
Chamber Announcements
Temecula Valley Chamber State of the City at Pechanga Resort & Casino April 5th, 2007
Announcements
Next meeting date and place: Monday, April 16, 2007, 12:00pm.
Murrieta Library 8 Town Square Murrieta, CA 92562
Adjourn
The Southwest California Legislative Council Thanks Our Partners:
Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors Rancho Ford Lincoln Mercury
Verizon Metropolitan Water District
Economic Development Corporation of Southwest California Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
The Gas Company Abbott Vascular
The Murrieta Temecula Group Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce
Arrowhead Credit Union Murrieta Chamber of Commerce
Near-Cal Corporation Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce
1
PRESS RELEASES
Southwest California Legislative Council
March 19, 2007
RECENT PRESS RELEASES
March 3, 2007
Business Community Takes a Stand on Health Care Reform
The Governor and other leaders have proposed several reforms to the state’s health care crisis. These proposals will
be debated in the state capitol in the coming months. The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) will
establish its position on a specific health care reform plan in the coming months.
The following defines the SWCLC current position is to support reforms that:
- Preserves the current voluntary employer-provided health coverage system;
- Contains the costs of premiums;
- Conforms to federal law on health savings accounts;
- Allows employers to offer more affordable benefit plans that allow choices in coverage;
- Prevents cost shifting from government-provided programs to the private sector;
- Curbs the expansion of litigation in the health care system, and;
- Supports the wellness and disease management education programs.
“We want our business community to know the Temecula Valley, Murrieta and Lake Elsinore Valley chambers of
commerce are actively tracking all health care reform proposals in the state legislature,” stated Dennis Frank, Chair
of the SWCLC. “We are also dedicated to protecting businesses impacted by any health care reform plan,”
continued Frank.
March 2, 2007
Business Community Supports Redistricting Efforts
The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) supports efforts to make California elections more
competitive by reforming the highly politicized process of drawing legislative and congressional districts.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger introduced a reform plan earlier this year:
1. Create a Citizens Redistricting Commission composed of 11 independent members -- four from each of the state's
two major political parties, with the three others being decline-to-state voters or voters with other political
affiliations.
2. Any redistricting plan must have at least one vote from each of the two major political parties and one from an
independent or minor party.
3. The commission would be selected by random drawing by the Fair Political Practices Commission from a pool of
55 candidates, nominated by a panel of 10 current or retired county registrars of voters or city election clerks.
4. Anyone who has served as an elected official within the past five years, lobbyists or those with family ties to
elected officials are not eligible to serve on the panel.
5. If the constitutional amendment to create the redistricting commission is approved by a two-thirds majority of the
Legislature, it would go before voters.
The SWCLC will work with the Governor’s office and the state legislature to ensure that the Lake Elsinore,
Murrieta, and Temecula business communities are engaged in policy discussions in the coming months regarding
redistricting reform proposals.
2
“By working together we can ensure pro-business candidates will have a chance to seek office if they so desire,”
explained Dennis Frank, Chair of the SWCLC. “Competition is always a good thing, especially when businesses can
prosper,” Frank continued.
March 1, 2007
Business Community Protects Business Interests in Regional Air Quality Plan
The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) opposes the 2007 Air Quality Management Plan (the Plan)
as drafted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
The Plan calls for regulations placed on gas, electricity, and water agencies in Southern California only forcing more
regulations on most businesses that already meet or exceed SCAQMD’s regulations. Furthermore, much of Southern
California’s natural gas is imported from out-of-state producers. The SWCLC believes that the Plan impedes our gas
companies’ ability to use out-of-state natural gas impacting availability and reliability of natural gas supply.
“The Plan must be economically viable for businesses,” stated Dennis Frank, SWCLC Chair. “The current draft Plan
places our businesses at a competitive disadvantage,” Frank continued.
March 1, 2007
Southwest California Business Community Sets Its 2007 Legislative Priorities
Each year, the Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) develops its legislative priorities. Each of the
policy goals serve as the foundation for the Southwest California Legislative Council's continuing effort to improve
the regional business climate.
SWCLC’s mission is to provide a basis for the Temecula Valley, Murrieta, and Lake Elsinore Valley chambers of
commerce to act on local, state and federal government issues to secure a favorable and profitable business climate
for the region.
2007 Policy Platform
Infrastructure Improvements
1. Review and consider policies that ensure the Southwest California region maintains a reputation as an attractive
prosperous location for business; to balance employment and housing needs with natural resource preservation; and
to plan and construct the community infrastructure necessary to support current and future business needs.
2. Monitor land use, planning, housing and zoning issues that affect the Southwest California regional business
community.
3. Review and consider development projects within the Southwest California region.
4. Encourage an adequate supply of appropriate housing to meet the needs of the Southwest California region.
5. Review and consider reliable, stable, and competitively priced energy supplies for California’s businesses and
consumers.
6. Review and consider transportation improvement plans that relieve congestion on existing freeways, streets and
roads, and ensure future mobility within the region.
7. Review and consider policies that improve water quality as the result of comprehensive approaches that will
reduce contaminants from water sources in a cost effective manner.
3
8. Review and consider policies that promote safe, clean, high quality, adequate and reliable water supplies
supporting the needs of economic growth and quality of life in Southern California.
Taxation and Government Finance
1. Review and consider reform measures that solve the state budget’s continuing structural deficit that promotes real
economic growth and job creation
2. Encourage cooperation among government agencies, and work to streamline and reduce unnecessary
requirements of regulatory agencies.
3. Review and consider cost effective ways to privatize government services and public contracts while maintaining
or improving standards.
4. Review and consider state and local tax increases and new tax categories affecting the regional business
community
5. Support and promote when appropriate the preparation of cost/benefit analysis ensuring economic impacts are
weighed before the imposition of regulatory statutes.
6. Ensure that regulations on business are kept to a minimum and do not put regional businesses at a competitive
disadvantage.
7. Encourage the protection of private property rights.
8. Promote economic development opportunities in the Southwest California region for business retention and
attraction.
9. Support state programs that secure tax credits for targeted work training programs.
10. Consider and review policies that promote the outsourcing of essential public services by government agencies.
Pro-business Leadership
1. Support efforts to make California elections more competitive by reforming the highly politicized process of
drawing legislative and congressional districts.
2. Review and consider local, statewide, and when appropriate, federal legislation as it pertains to the SWCLC’s
policy priorities and communicate the information to the three chamber’s membership.
3. Continue to enhance working relationships with local, state and federal representatives.
4. Review and consider measures that examine the re-districting system that determines the representation of
Californians in the State Legislature and the House of Representatives.
5. Consider and review legislation that promotes standards of corporate governance that guide boards of directors
and corporate officers in managing their corporations in a competent, ethical manner.
Employee Relations
1. Review and consider measures that reform the extraordinary costs of the state’s public pension system for the
sake of the state’s overall fiscal health.
2. Monitor and review alternatives to (1) any proposed state minimum wage increases and (2) any local or state
living wage ordinances.
4
3. Monitor and provide recommendations to the new workers’ compensation reform measures to reduce costs to
businesses.
4. Consider and review responsible health care policy proposals that maximize free market forces, minimizes
mandates upon insurers and providers, and results in increased availability of health care coverage affordable for
employers, employees and individuals.
5. Monitor measures that reform our state’s educational system and encourage workforce preparation.
6. Advocate against the unwarranted and frivolous lawsuits on our businesses, consumers, taxpayers, and
communities.
Immigration Reform
1. Support efforts that create a guest worker program that is comprehensive, addressing both future economic needs
for workers and the status of undocumented workers already in the United States.
2. Support policies that strengthen national security by providing for thorough screening of foreign workers and
creating strong disincentives for illegal immigration.
3. Support the creation of an employment verification system that is fast and reliable.
4. Support policies that ensure all workers enjoy the same labor law protections.
5. Support policies that require all workers striving for citizenship to demonstrate a knowledge of the English
language and American civic requirements.
6. Support policies that expand temporary visa programs for essential workers, creating paths to permanent
residence for these workers and providing a way to earn legal status for the millions of undocumented workers
already in the United States.
Health Care
1. Consider actions that preserve the current voluntary employer-provided health coverage system.
2. Continue the efforts to contain the costs of premiums.
3. Conform to federal law on health savings accounts.
4. Support legislation to allow employers to offer more affordable benefit plans that allow choices in coverage.
5. Support policies that prevent cost shifting from government-provided programs to the private sector.
6. Work to curb the expansion of litigation in the health care system.
7. Support the wellness and disease management education programs.
8. Monitor policies that encourage continued medical discoveries and innovations that improve quality of care.
5
ACTION
AGENDA ITEM 1
Southwest California Legislative Council
March 19, 2007
FEBRUARY 2007 SWCLC MEETING MINUTES
SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
www.SouthwestCaliforniaAdvocacy.biz
Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce
Murrieta Chamber of Commerce
Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce
February 2007 SWCLC Meeting Minutes
Southwest California Legislative Council
A Joint Committee of Temecula, Lake Elsinore and Murrieta Chambers of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Monday February 26, 2007
2006 Chair: Joan Sparkman (Present)
2007 Chair: Dennis Frank (Present)
Chamber Advocacy: Jeremy Harris, Shaun Lumachi
Directors Present: Tom Kenney, Karen Wikert, Greg Morrison, Roger Ziemer, Glen Daigle, Dr. Billie Blair,
Carl Johnson, Scott Crane, Gene Wunderlich, Issac Lizarraga,
Directors Absent: Amber Wiens, Amy Minniear, Craig Schleuniger,
Members Present: Kari Strawn (Granite Construction)
Staff: Kim Cousins, Alice Sullivan, Laura Turnbow, Rex Oliver, Rosalie Roberts
Meeting called to order at: 12:08pm
Chair’s Report
OSHPD Update-Dennis Frank commented and reviewed
Riverside Country Transportation , Riverside County Supervisors Chambers, March 2, 2007-Comments by
Dennis Frank
Chairman elect position 2008-Dennis Frank noted the Chairman in 2008 will be Greg Morrison
representing the Lake Elsinore Chamber of Commerce.
1. Approval of January 2007 Minutes –Motion by Joan Sparkman, seconded, Motion
Carried.
2. Draft 2007 Air Quality Management Plan-Dennis Frank introduced this item and gave the list of presenters
as follows:
a. William Sanchez, Kim White, and Al Baez representing SCAQMD
b. Roger Ziemer representing Southern California Gas/Sempra Utilities
c. Edward Philadelphia representing Eastern Municipal Water District
6
d. Viet Tran representing Southern California Edison
After presentations by the above the SWCLC excused the presenters and went into Executive sessions for
discussion of subject. Joan Sparkman proposed a motion to draft a letter in opposition of the SCAQMD
proposal. Greg Morrison suggested that we partner with other Chambers in this letter writing campaign.
Shaun Lumachi mentioned that he was working with Alex Braicovich of Waste Management representing
the Corona Chamber of Commerce in regards to the same issue. The motion by Joan Sparkman, motion
carried. Roger Ziemer abstained from voting. Staff will generate the letter and go to executive committee
for approval.
3. AB 401 (Benoit) –Staff gave overview, this is the new bill number for last years AB 2492. Comments
where made by Joan Sparkman, Roger Ziemer, and Carl Johnson. Staff will continue to work on verbiage
of the bill with Benoit’s staff.
4. Health Care-Staff outlined SWCLC’s position with regards to the OSHPD issue and our Health Care
reform policy. The recommended action is that SWCLC reserves its right to establish its position on
proposed health care reforms during or after the legislature has time to review and debate the proposal. The
motion was proposed by Scott Crane, seconded, motion carried.
5. Let’s Get Moving Campaign-Chair Dennis Frank noted that representatives from RCTC were not able to
attend. The recommended action is to direct staff to prepare a letter to the Chairman of the CTC and
initiate a letter writing campaign to express the following: support for prop 1B, funding for State route
91 and projects such as Interstate 15 and 215. Greg Morrison proposed the motion, seconded, motion
carried.
6. Inland Empire Legislative Caucus Letter-Chair Dennis Frank proposed the following to direct Staff to
prepare and send a letter to appropriate leadership of the Inland Empire Legislative Caucus stating the
concerns of the SWCLC, local business and the three Chambers regarding the caucus not meeting on a
regular basis. Joan Sparkman made the motion, seconded, motion carried.
7. Media Policy-Jeremy Harris read the proposed media policy with regards to SWCLC and its interaction
with the media. The recommended action was to adopt the media policy; the motion was made by Greg
Morrison seconded, motion carried.
Local, State, Federal Legislative Staff Updates:
Jeff Greene-Representing Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries
Evita Tapia-Representing Assemblyman John Benoit
Norma Arias-Lee-Representing Metropolitan Water District
Announcements:
Alice Sullivan-Temecula Chamber of Commerce
Kim Cousins-Lake Elsinore Chamber of Commerce
Rex Oliver-Murrieta Chamber of Commerce
Next Meeting Date is March 19, 2007 at University of Redlands, 27270 Madison Ave, Temecula
Adjourn
7
ACTION
AGENDA ITEM 2
Southwest California Legislative Council
March 19, 2007
Legislative Report #1
State Legislation
AB 39 AUTHOR: Benoit (R)
TITLE: Undocumented Criminal Aliens
LOCATION: Assembly Public Safety Committee
SUMMARY:
Requires the Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to demand in
writing that the United State Attorney General take federal custody of any undocumented
criminal alien incarcerated in California's correctional system and, if the federal government
does not comply with the demand, then the secretary shall annually bill the federal government
for the costs of incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 291 AUTHOR: Jeffries (R)
TITLE: State Highway Route 74: Relinquishment
COMMITTEE: Assembly Transportation Committee
HEARING: 03/26/2007 1:30 pm
SUMMARY:
Authorizes the Transportation Commission to relinquish a portion of State Highway Route 74
in the City of Lake Elsinore in Riverside County to that city under certain conditions.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 391 AUTHOR: Lieu (D)
TITLE: Air Quality: South Coast Air Quality Management
LOCATION: Assembly Local Government Committee
SUMMARY:
Relates to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Increases the number of members.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 401 AUTHOR: Benoit (R)
TITLE: Traffic Congestion Relief Program
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
States the intent of the Legislature to expedite the construction of the projects in the Traffic
Congestion Relief Program which consists of a specified program of transportation projects to
relieve traffic congestion and provide additional transportation capacity.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 510 AUTHOR: Benoit (R)
TITLE: Employment: Working Hours
8
LOCATION: Assembly Labor and Employment Committee
SUMMARY:
Permits an individual nonexempt employee to request an employee-selected flexible work
schedule providing for workdays up to 10 hours per day within a 40 hour workweek. Allows an
employer to implement this schedule without any obligation to pay overtime compensation.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 613 AUTHOR: Tran (R)
TITLE: Workplace Postings
LOCATION: Assembly Labor and Employment Committee
SUMMARY:
Requires that workplace postings and notices be written in plain language so that employers and
employees can easily understand them. Requires the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
to convene a working group to review and recommend revisions to all employment-related
postings required in California workplaces.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 657 AUTHOR: Jeffries (R)
TITLE: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Relates to existing law which designates the State Air Resources Board as the agency charged
with monitoring and regulating sources of emissions of greenhouse gases that cause global
warming.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 791 AUTHOR: Jeffries (R)
TITLE: Government Reorganization
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Creates the Public Safety Agency Act. Requires that by a specified time, public safety
departments, personnel, offices and authorities meet with the secretary of each agency and
develop proposed internal organizational structures.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 1003 AUTHOR: Jeffries (R)
TITLE: Department of Transportation
LOCATION: Assembly Transportation Committee
SUMMARY:
Provides that a local or regional agency that is contributing an unspecified portion of a state
highway project's costs from local revenues may request the Department of Transportation to
provide dedicated personnel or other resources pursuant to a special agreement between the
agency and the department in order to expedite the department's review of the project.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 1117 AUTHOR: Benoit (R)
9
TITLE: Outdoor Advertising
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Amends the Outdoor Advertising Act. Deems an advertising display erected by a city or county
to advertise businesses operating in a redevelopment agency project area or in a business
improvement district whose boundaries overlap those of the redevelopment agency project area,
to be on the premises at any location within 1,000 feet of the legal boundaries of the project are
if the display meets certain conditions.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 1131 AUTHOR: Jeffries (R)
TITLE: Joint Powers Agreements: Joint Powers Agencies
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Requires the agreement for a joint powers agency that is authorized to levy a general or special
tax, exorcise eminent domain, or make a change to, or enact a regulation restricting land uses to
require that at least one member of the joint powers agency directly represent any affected land
owner.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 1240 AUTHOR: Benoit (R)
TITLE: Riverside County Transportation Commission
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Authorizes the Riverside County Transportation Commission to enter into those design-build
contracts for the purpose of constructing commuter rail lines and would designate that
commission as a transit operator for those purposes.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 1277 AUTHOR: Benoit (R)
TITLE: Corporate Tax
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Relates to the Corporation Tax Law which allows a deduction for a charitable contribution
made by a taxpayer during the taxable year.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 1293 AUTHOR: Benoit (R)
TITLE: Workers' Compensation: Liquidation Estate
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Requires the liquidation estate of Fremont Indemnity Company to forward to specified school
district employees a lump sum not to exceed $8 million for the express purpose of covering
those claims already paid by the school district employers, as well as those liabilities incurred
and to be incurred, for any self-insured retention transferred to Fremont Indemnity Company
prior to January 1, 2000.
Recommended Support
10
Position:
AB 1341 AUTHOR: Benoit (R)
TITLE: Workers' Compensation: Temporary Disability
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Requires for temporary disability, that limits for average weekly earnings remain the same, but
increased by an amount equal to the percentage increase in the state average weekly wage
compared to the prior year. Increases from the date of commencement of temporary disability
payments, the period of time during which an employee can receive aggregate disability
payments.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 1364 AUTHOR: Benoit (R)
TITLE: Insurers: Termination of Operation
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Makes minor changes to existing law which requires the issuance of a certificate of authority by
the Insurance Commissioner in order for an insurer to transact business in this state.
Recommended Support
Position:
AB 1478 AUTHOR: Jeffries (R)
TITLE: Property Tax Losses Reserve Fund: Limits
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Amends existing law that authorizes counties to adopt an alternative method for the distribution
of secured roll property tax levies. Requires counties to maintain the amount of the total
delinquent secured taxes and assessments in the tax losses reserve fund at not less than 25% and
allows counties to credit moneys to the county general fund where the reserve fund exceeds a
percentage of the total delinquent secured taxes and assessments. Reduces the 25% limitation to
3%.
Recommended Support
Position:
AJR 14 AUTHOR: Jeffries (R)
TITLE: Customs Duties and Importation Revenues
COMMITTEE: Assembly Jobs, Economic Development and The Economy
Committee
HEARING: 04/17/2007 9:00 am
SUMMARY:
Memorializes the President and Congress to enact legislation that will ensure that a substantial
increment of new revenues derived from customs duties and importation fees be dedicated to
mitigating the economic, mobility, security, and environmental impacts of trade in this state and
in other trade-affected states.
Recommended Support
Position:
SB 55 AUTHOR: Florez (D)
TITLE: Water Quality: Sewage Sludge
LOCATION: Senate Environmental Quality Committee
11
SUMMARY:
Requires a publicly owned treatment works to submit a certification to the regional water
quality board that any sewage sludge transferred from a facility for disposal or further
processing meets the requirements and standards for any pollutants listed in the waste
requirements. Requires such treatment works to submit the certification to any person or facility
that accepts sewage sludge from that works for disposal or processing. Authorizes a person or
facility for indemnification.
Recommended Oppose
Position:
SB 59 AUTHOR: Cogdill (R)
TITLE: Reliable Water Supply Bond Act of 2008
LOCATION: Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee
SUMMARY:
Enacts the Reliable Water Supply Bond Act, which, if approved by the voters, would authorize,
for purposes of financing a water supply program, the issuance of bonds. Requires the Secretary
of State to submit the bond act to the voter.
Recommended Support
Position:
SB 423 AUTHOR: Harman (R)
TITLE: Exemplary Damages
LOCATION: Senate Judiciary Committee
SUMMARY:
Amends existing law which authorizes a plaintiff to recover exemplary damages in an
action for the breach of an obligation not arising from contract if it is proven by clear
and convincing evidence that the defendant has been guilty of oppression, fraud, or
malice. Limits the amount of exemplary damages that are available pursuant to the
provision described above to 3 times the amount of compensatory damages.
Recommended Support
Position:
SB 670 AUTHOR: Correa (D)
TITLE: Real Property: Transfer Fees
LOCATION: Senate Transportation and Housing Committee
SUMMARY:
Provides that any a covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, security
instrument, or other instrument that contains a requirement that any transferee pay a fee upon
transfer of the real property is a condition restraining alienation that is repugnant to the interest
created and void.
Recommended Support
Position:
12
INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM 3
Southwest California Legislative Council
March 19, 2007
“Let’s Get Moving Campaign”
Presentation
Jeremy M. Harris
Director of Government Affairs
Background
At the October 2006 SWCLC Board meeting, the Board approved its Let’s Get Moving Campaign. The campaign’s
purpose is twofold: (1) to promote and solicit feedback on RCTC infrastructure investments and associated
economic impacts with the Southwest California business community and (2) to develop a working relationship with
the RCTC staff and board including the Southwest California delegation on the RCTC board.
The RCTC and SWCLC staff is in the process of implementing the SWCLC approved action plan. Also, the
SWCLC’s web site is prepared with detailed information on the campaign. The information can be viewed at
http://www.southwestcaliforniaadvocacy.biz/letsgetmoving.htm and a current version of the entire Let’s Get Moving
action plan is included below.
Proposition 1B: Riverside County’s Fair Share
Specific to action plan item number one, Proposition 1B: Riverside County’s Fair Share, last week, the California
Transportation Commission (CTC) considered how to best spend the funds approved by voters in the November
2006 election from Proposition 1B.
Riverside County requested $951 million of Proposition 1B funds for transportation projects and was awarded less
than one-tenth of that request. The CTC will make its final decision on these funding allocations on February 28,
2007.
The SWCLC directed staff at its February 2007 meeting to prepare a letter to the Chairman of the California
Transportation Commission and initiate letter writing campaign via to that expresses the following:
Proposition 1B will have a profound effect on our state’s transportation system for many years into
the future, and the Commission’s decisions to allocate funding are challenging yet vitally important.
Urges the Commission to support the staff recommendation for funding a portion of State Route 91.
Urges the Commission to consider the possibility of allocating additional funding for more projects
in Riverside County. Projects such as the improvement of the State Route 71/91 interchange and the
addition of High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes on State Route 91 in Riverside as well as additional
projects on Interstate 15 and 215 are desperately needed and are deserving of funding consideration.
Update
Southwest California Business Community Works to Secure $195 Million in Transportation Funding
The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC), partnering with the Riverside County Transportation
Commission (RCTC) and other regional business organizations called upon the Southwest California businesses
community this week to urge state officials to help secure transportation funding for the region.
13
“The Temecula Valley, Murrieta, and Lake Elsinore Valley Chambers of Commerce, working together, are serious
about securing our fair share of funds to improve our regional transportation nightmare,” stated Dennis Frank, Chair
of the Southwest California Legislative Council.
The California Transportation Commission (CTC), awarded $195 million dollars of Proposition 1B funding to
Riverside County. Specifically, Riverside County was awarded $157 million to cover the cost of five miles of
carpool lanes on Highway 91 and $38 million to widen Interstate 215 between I-15 and Scott Road. The CTC is
responsible for the allocation of funds from Proposition 1B.
Southwest California businesses wrote letters to the CTC urging them to follow their staff recommendations that
included funding for a portion of State Route 91 and to consider the possibility of allocating additional funding for
more projects within Riverside County.
The SWCLC collected letters via this website over a 24 hour period and hand delivered the letters to the California
Transportation Commission board members.
“This successful letter writing campaign proves our three chambers of commerce are serious about results when
representing the interests of business with government,” stated Frank.
14
