Government Relations Policy Overview

The Bay Area Council Government Relations Committee is the advocacy arm of the Council.  Our job is to support the work of the policy committees and ensure that the positions we take as an organization are voiced at the local, state and federal levels.

Priorities

• Work with state and federal legislators to influence policy to improve the business climate and quality of life in the Bay Area.

• Lead discussion and work to implement public pension reforms across the state.

Ballot Measures

The Bay Area Council Executive Committee takes positions on certain ballot measures. The Government Relations Committee advises the Council’s Executive Committee on relevant ballot initiatives. For any measure not listed here, the Council has no position.

Prop. 30: Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act (November 2012)
Summary: Advances Governor Brown's work to restore California to fiscal stability, close the budget deficit and avoid devastating cuts to education. For four years, increases state sales tax by a quarter cent. For seven years, raises income tax rates on those with taxable income over $250,000. 89 percent of the revenue will go to K-12 schools, with none going to administrative costs, and 11 percent going to community colleges.

Position: Support

Prop. 31: Two-Year State Budget Cycle (November 2012)
Summary: Designed to improve fiscal accountability in state and local government. Establishes a two-year state budget cycle and prohibits the state Legislature from creating expenditures of more than $25 million without first identifying offsetting revenue or spending cuts. Also, requires performance goals in state and local budgets and requires performance review of all state programs. In addition, gives the Governor unilateral authority to make budget cuts during declared fiscal emergencies.

Position: Support

Prop. 38: Tax for Education and Early Childhood Programs (November 2012)
Summary:  Increases personal income tax rates for annual earnings over $7,316 using sliding scale from .4% for lowest individual earners to 2.2% for individuals earning over $2.5 million, ending after twelve years. During first four years, 60% of revenues go to K-12 schools, 30% to repaying state debt, and 10% to early childhood programs. Thereafter, allocates 85% of revenues to K-12 schools, 15% to early childhood programs. Provides K-12 funds on school specific, per-pupil basis, subject to local control, audits, and public input. Prohibits state from directing or using new funds.

Position: Oppose

Prop. F: Drain Hetch Hetchy (November 2012)
Summary: This measure would begin the process of dismantling the Hetch Hetchy Water and Power System, which provides pristine drinking water for 2.5 million residents in San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Alameda counties. Hetch Hetchy also supplies greenhouse gas-free electricity that powers public schools, hospitals and transportation. The cost for tearing down Hetch Hetchy, which would subject the region to increased vulnerability from drought, has been estimated at $10 billion.

Position: Oppose