2012 INLAND ACTION ANNUAL REPORT

GENERAL BUSINESS 

Staffing:  Phil Waller began his 2-year term as Chairman of Inland Action Chairman.  Carole Beswick continued as the President and CEO for the first 6 months of the year. Sue Harrison continued as the Administrative Assistant. Both are completing 6 years with Inland Action. In July the position of President and CEO was split into two separate positions. Deborah Barmack was hired in July to take the position of President; Beswick became CEO. This was accomplished by making each job quarter time and by splitting the existing President/CEO salary, at no increased cost to the organization. 

Executive Committee for 2013:   

Inland Action Officers:

• ·        Chairman – Phil Waller
• ·        First Vice Chairman- Tom Brickley
• ·        Second Vice Chairman – Mark Kaenel
• ·        Secretary – Ray Wolfe
• ·        Treasurer – Ed Lasak
• ·        Past Chairman – John Prentice
• ·        President – Deborah Barmack
• ·        CEO – Carole Beswick

Committee Chairs: 

Transportation – Ed Lasak and John Mirau

Health Care – Richard Hart and Dimitrios Alexiou

Environment – Tom Brickley and Ken Coate

Education – Paul Shimoff and Charlie Ng

SBIA – John Mirau

Economic Development – Lowell King and Tom Nightingale

Legislative – Carlos Valdez

History -Bill Lemann

Members-at-large – Kristine Scott, Peter Barmack and Lou Monville

 

Weekly Meetings: 

The first meeting of the month is designated as a closed meeting, with no speaker scheduled.  Members of the Executive Committee meet on the fifth Tuesday, which is quarterly (Non-executive committee members get to “sleep in”).  A listing of all weekly Inland Action meetings is attached to this report.

 

Summary of Inland Action Activities: 

Special Events 

In January outgoing chairman John Prentice was honored at a reception at the Shimoff home.  

In March a reception was held aboard BNSF’s Business Cars. Inland Action members and candidates for state and federal office were invited, as were potential new members.    

In June Inland Action hosted a reception for the California Transportation Commission at the Maloof Foundation facility in Upland in conjunction with SANBAG. 

In October Inland Action celebrated its 50^th Anniversary with a reception held in a historic hanger at San Bernardino International Airport. Past and present members joined invited guests for an evening of music and fellowship. Congressman Jerry Lewis was recognized for his many contributions to IA, SBIA and the region. Other elected officials present included Senator Bob Dutton, Senator Bill Emmerson, Assemblyman Jeff Miller and Supervisors Josie Gonzales and Janice Rutherford. 

Inland Action members generously underwrite special events. We recognize and thank the following: 

BNSF

Brickley Environmental

California Housing Foundation

Carlone Construction

Century 21, Lois Lauer Realty

Eadie & Payne

Fullerton, Lemann, Schaefer & Dominick

G/M Business Interiors

Goodwill Southern California

Loma Linda University

Majestic Realty

Mirau, Edwards, Cannon, Lewin & Tooke

PG&E

Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott

San Bernardino Community College District

Security Bank of California

Southern California Gas Company

Time Warner

University of California, Riverside

University of Redlands

 

These donors made possible the legislative dinner in Washington, D.C. and Inland Action’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration.  

Several lunches were scheduled as an opportunity for newer members to get acquainted with Inland Action and some of its members of longer standing. These began in 2009 and have proven to be most successful. They are now done annually. Hosts for these lunches were Best, Best & Krieger and McPeters, McAlearney, Shimoff & Hatt. We appreciate their generosity. 

 

Membership 

New members added during 2012: Union Pacific Railroad, Goodwill Industries Southern California, Inland Behavioral and Health Services, National Community Renaissance (aka CORE) and Western States Petroleum.  

Leaving membership during 2012: SBD Aircraft Services, Totally Kids Specialty Health Care, People’s Care, Gresham, Savage, Nolan and Tilden and Bank of America. We regret the loss of these members, as their participation was valuable. We will begin 2013 with 49 members.  

Focus for 2012 

• ·     Inland Action’s legislative advocacy and trips to Washington, D.C. and Sacramento continued to be a critical activity in our efforts to communicate regional priorities and important projects to state and federal representatives. (See details below.) These efforts will be increasingly important considering the significant change in elected representation for the inland region in 2013. 
• ·     Inland Action closely followed the financial condition of the City of San Bernardino as it moved to declare bankruptcy. A meeting was held with Raphael Shonenshein of the Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs to discuss charter city issues and how they impact the city. IA members attended City Council meetings and worked with concerned citizens. This issue is on-going.
• ·     Health Care topics were important as the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is to be enacted and will greatly impact our region. We learned the importance of medical school residencies as it relates to the ability to attract physicians. We celebrated the accreditation of the new medical school at UCR.
• ·     Education remained a focus as we continue to track the performance of children from our region, from elementary through graduate years. Progress in graduation rates and core competencies continue to be of concern.
• ·     Transportation is still of primary importance to Inland Action. Major projects on local interstate highways continued, and we celebrated the start of reconstruction of Colton Crossing the Tippecanoe Interchange, two major projects on Inland Action’s priority list. Inland Action members worked to advocate for additional transportation funds.
• ·     Inland Action participated in various meetings and events to advocate for the needs of the region, including events of Mobility 21, UCLA Land Use and Transportation Center, Inland Empire Economic Partnership, Monday Morning Group, San Bernardino Associated Governments and San Bernardino City/County Conferece. 

 

Addendums to Annual Report: 

2012 Listing of Weekly Inland Action Meetings

 

2012 Washington, DC Trip 

2012 Inland Action Priority Federal Issues

·      Fund I-215/I-15 Devore Junction

There is a need for $30MM of Federal funding to complete this important project of national significance for goods movement through San Bernardino County; it is the second worst grade-related bottleneck on a national freight corridor.  

• ·      Expand the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) and support

a TIFIA loan for SR-91 Congestion Improvement Project

The 91 Project is an extension of the nationally acclaimed 91 Express Lanes in Orange County, with the addition of general purpose lanes and operation improvement that will enhance mobility in communities along the 91 corridor. The 91 Project is an innovative and highly meritorious project of national significance that has received bi-partisan support at the regional, state, and federal level as a result of the overwhelming economic, quality of life, environmental, and goods movement benefits that it will deliver. The project received a $20 million TIFIA Federal Grant in December 2011, but it still needs an additional $20 million in TIFIA funding to serve as a loan guarantee in order to secure the full $400 million of 3^rd party financing need to complete the project. RCTC has submitted a new TIFIA application for the additional amount.

 

• ·      Support HR 2538 Calvert – REBUILD Act

This bill introduced the Reducing Environmental Barriers to Unified Infrastructure and Land Development Act of 2011 (REBUILD Act). This bill expands the NEPA delegation pilot program to non-transportation agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

 

• ·      Preserve Pell Grants

The Pell Grant is the foundation of federal student aid, providing opportunity to millions of students who might otherwise be unable to attend college. The vast majority of Pell recipients come from families with incomes at or below $30,000. This assistance is critical to students in our hard-hit region.

Other Federal Issues 

Transportation Issues 

• ·      Adoption of a new Surface Transportation Authorization Bill – Inland Action, along with its business partners, believes that transportation projects drive jobs and jobs drive the economy.  The lack of a federal transportation funding plan is costing jobs and our ability to compete globally.  A transportation bill is needed now. A new bill should address the following issues:
• o  Dedicated National Freight Program and Funding: Establish in the Department of Transportation a merit-based grant program for goods movement projects of national significance with dedicated funding from dedicated revenue sources outside of the Highway Trust Fund. This funding would allow for meaningful investments in dedicated truck lanes and more grade crossings for moving cargo without impacting normal commuting traffic patterns.  Additionally, the cleanest technologies possible such as electrified truck and rail lanes could be successfully deployed for reducing pollution cleaning up the worst air quality in the nation.  Local Southern California taxpayers should no longer be expected to fund the cost of goods movement when it is a National issue.
• o  Provide Alternative Transportation Financing Opportunities by Expanding TIFIA, and Authorize Build American Bonds and America Fast Forward:  Enhance the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) by increasing the funding amount from $122 million per year to $1 billion and increase the maximum share of the project cost from 33 percent to 49 percent.  TIFIA program provides direct loans, loan guarantees, and lines of credit to large nationally and regionally significant transportation projects with a revenue stream at terms that are more favorable than those available in the private sector that will leverage private and other non-federal investments. The Federal Highway Administration has stated that historically every TIFIA dollar can mobilize up to $30 in transportation investments.
• o  Accelerate Project Delivery: Include new ideas for reducing project delivery time and cost while protecting the environment such as: innovative contracting methods, creating dispute resolution procedures, allowing for early right-of-way acquisitions, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for projects with no significant environmental impact, encouraging early coordination between relevant agencies to avoid delays later in the review process, and providing incentives for accelerating project delivery decisions within specified deadlines. Likewise, the NEPA Pilot Program (authorized by SAFETEA-LU) should be reauthorized because it is saving project time and cost.
• o  Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program: Provide funds to states for investing in projects that reduce transportation related emissions.
  
• ·      Support legislation  to improve project delivery
   
• o  H.R. 2389 (Miller):  This bill would make it permanent the pilot program that allows states to accept the responsibilities of the federal government in reviewing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents.
   
• o  H.R. 2766 (Miller): This act introduces the Breaking Down Barriers Act of 2011 which legislates some the recommendations of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Breaking Down Barriers report which has been so effective in expediting projects. The bill allows for projects to accelerate construction prior to official approvals under the letter of no prejudice.  This allows projects to proceed at-risk while federal agencies are finishing final paperwork to approve projects.
   
• o  H.R. 2538 (Calvert): This bill introduced the Reducing Environmental Barriers to Unified Infrastructure and Land Development Act of 2011 (REBUILD Act). This bill expands the NEPA delegation pilot program to non-transportation agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, and the Army Corps of Engineers

 

• ·      Funding for transit (formula funds and New/Small Starts): Inland Action supports the first of several minor urban transit projects with connections to other regional transit systems which are close to starting construction; projects include the Downtown San Bernardino Passenger Rail project, the Redlands Passenger Rail project, and sbX.

 

• o  Funding for City of Highland – Inland Empire Goods Movement Phase II-The City of Highland is pursuing additional funding for significant regional arterial roadway and infrastructure improvements as well as on and off-ramp improvements to the 5^th Street/SR-210 corridor to accommodate goods movement throughout Southern California and the nation.  The proposed project will provide enhanced transportation infrastructure for portions of 5^th Street between SR-210 and I-215.  $10m will be requested during the TIGER IV round of funding.          

 

• ·      Move the Ontario Airport to Local Control and/or Make Landing Fees the Same as LAX:  Airport traffic is down by 47% since 2007 and the number of destinations available to fly into has been cut by nearly 60%.  This reduction in flights has resulted in an upward cost spiral for airlines serving Ontario due to over-staffing and administration fees imposed by LAWA. Airline fees at Ontario average from 30% more to seven time more than regional airports including fees charged at LAX also under the control of LAWA.  LA’s control of both airports could be considered a conflict of interest.  Under current LAWA’s management, there has been an estimated loss of 8,000 airport related jobs and $400 million in annual business activity.  Inland Action supports moving the management of this airport to local control.  Additionally, landing fees should be set at the same rate for both the Ontario and LAX airports.

Education 

• ·      Preserve Pell Grants

The Pell Grant is the foundation of federal student aid, providing opportunity to millions of students who might otherwise be unable to attend college. The vast majority of Pell recipients come from families with incomes at or below $30,000. This assistance is critical to students in our hard-hit region.

The maximum Pell grant is $5,550.  The grants are need-based to low-income undergraduate and certain post-baccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education.  30 years ago, Pell Grants would cover about 2/3rds of college tuition at a public university.  Now, it covers about 1/3^rd of such tuition expense. 

Recent changes in the grant process placed more stringent limitations on the issuance of grants such that (a) a student cannot receive more than 1 grant during any single award year; (b) limits the time period in which a student can receive grants from 18 semesters to 12 semesters; and, (c) reduced the highest annual income level under which a student would automatically receive the maximum grant amount from $30,000 to $23,000. 

Although the reforms are expected to save money, any change in eligibility for a Pell Grant places more economic pressure on students trying to complete their college education. 

Inland Action supports Pell Grants and opposes any further restrictions to eligibility or reductions in the maximum amount of a Pell Grant.

• ·     Stafford Loans:  Support 3.4% Loan Rate NOT 6.8% Loan Rate.

A Stafford Loan is a student loan offered to eligible students enrolled in an accredited American institution of higher education to help finance the student’s education.  Because the loans are guaranteed by the U.S. government, they are offered at a lower interest rate than the borrower would otherwise be eligible to obtain in a private loan. 

Currently, in the 2011-2012 academic year, a Stafford Loan bears interest at 3.4% for undergraduate subsidized loans.  Unfortunately, the interest rate for such loans is scheduled to increase from 3.4% to 6.8% effective July 1, 2012. 

• ·     American Opportunity Tax Credit: $2,500 Annual Credit.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a tax credit for undergraduate college education expenses.  The credit provides for up to $2,500 in tax credits on the first $4,000 of qualifying educational expenses (which includes tuition, books, lab supplies and software). The credit applies for the first 4 years of undergraduate study ($10,000 in total). 

The credit has limitations on the income of the person eligible for the credit, which could include the parent of a dependent student. 

The credit is scheduled to expire (i.e. sunset) after 2012. 

Inland Action supports extending the time period in which the tax credit will be available beyond 2012. 

 

Environment

• ·      California Desert Protection Act of 2011
  

S.B. 138 The California Desert Protection Act (CDPA) of 2011 is a bill to provide for conservation, enhanced recreation opportunities and development of renewable energy in the California Desert Conservation Area and for other purposes.

The bill amends the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 to, among other things: 

• o  Designates two new national monuments-the Mojave Trails and the Sand to Snow National Monuments;
• o  Adds adjacent lands to the Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks and the Mojave National Preserve;
• o  Permanently protect 5 wilderness study areas as designated wilderness, and protect 4 important waterways, such as the Armargosa River and Deep Creek, as Wild and Scenic Rivers;
• o  Improves and accelerates the process to permit large-scale wind and solar development on suitable public and private lands in the California desert;
• o  Enhances recreational opportunities in the desert, while ensuring that the training needs of the military are met. 

The bill is supported by a broad coalition, including:  local governments, environmental groups, off-road enthusiasts, renewable energy companies, and others. 

Status:

Sponsor:  Senator Feinstein (introduced 01/25/2011)

Co-sponsors:  No co-sponsors

Committees:  Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Latest Major Action:  01/25/2011 Referred to Senate committee.  Status:  Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 

Inland Action supports S.B. 138 and appreciates legislative efforts that balance conservation, recreation, and renewable energy development, while making sure the needs of our military are met. 

• ·      Critical Habitat for the Santa Ana Sucker
• o  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Ruling in December 2010 to double the Critical Habitat for the Santa Ana Sucker, a fish that is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, and that live in the Santa Ana River in Western Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties, is onerous to our region.  Many critical projects for local water supplies, flood control and transportation are jeopardized by the ruling, and the quality of life in the region will suffer. 

Whereas the increased habitat could cost 1 million Southern Californians a third of their water supply and account for a 4 billion dollar economic loss to the region.  Inland Action opposes this arbitrary ruling that fails to consider the scientific and economic realities which should have been central to the agency’s decision.

 

• ·      Santa Ana River Trail and Parkway

Inland Action supports the completion of the Santa Ana River Trail and Parkway. The project will link the upper and lower Santa Ana River watershed, the largest watershed in Southern California serving a population of 7 million residents, and close a gap in the construction of the 100 mile long Santa Ana River Trail and Parkway. The completion of a regional trail will enhance the value of housing, attract businesses and employees to the area; provide alternative commuting options to a region with some of the worst traffic in the nation; and provide access to outdoor recreational amenities, which will contribute to a healthier lifestyle and result in improved quality of life for the local communities.

 

• ·      Santa Ana Main Stem Project
• o  The Santa Ana Main Stem project is an ongoing flood control project along a 75 mile reach of the Santa Ana River, through three counties.  It is vital that work continue to the project completion, to protect the communities along the river from flooding.  The estimated project cost is $2.05 Billion.  In FY13 an estimated $37 Million is required to fund on-going activities.

 

Support:  Inland Action supports the Army Corps of Engineers requested funding for FY13 (estimated $37 Million) for this project, which is vital to the entire reach of the Santa Ana River, from San Bernardino to Newport Beach including funds to support recreation planning and implementation. 

• ·      State Water Project
• o  In light of current California and regional drought conditions, Inland Action supports comprehensive long term solutions to the Delta water conveyance and storage issues, with particular emphasis on statewide cooperation and teamwork in particular, Inland Action supports the ongoing “Bay Delta Conservation Plan” (BDCP), a multi-disciplinary process that is working to support the co-equal goals of water supply reliability and habitat restoration.
   
• ·      Regional Water Issues
• o  San Bernardino Basin Recycled Water Initiative, a Recycled Water-to-Recharge Project
• ·      Inland Action supports the planning and development of the San Bernardino Basin Recycled Water Initiative, a Recycled Water-for-Groundwater Recharge Project.  The project will provide the area with water to recharge the groundwater basins, reducing or eliminating the need for state water project supplies that are currently at 15% of normal.
• ·      The project, when completed, will recover and recycle over 32 million gallons a day that can be reused for non-potable irrigation purposes.  This will offset demands on the State Water project. Using recycled water to replace water delivered through the state project will reduce environmental impacts to the San Francisco Bay and Delta, and provide a reliable water supply.
• ·      SBMWD is currently seeking funding from the United States Bureau of Reclamation for three planning and demonstration phases.  The cost is estimated at $9 million for all three phases, which includes a working demonstration pilot plant.  The Bureau is participating in the planning and design of the project.
• ·      Full build-out will cost approximately $200 million.  Ultimately, we are seeking authorization from the Bureau of Reclamation for the completion of the project. 

Local Support comes from the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department (SBMWD), in partnership with East Valley Water District and other public water agencies in the region. 

• ·      Seven Oaks Dam Water and Conservation Study
• o  The Seven Oaks Water Conservation Study needs to proceed as a follow-up to the water quality study that has yet to be completed.  It would make sense to combine the water quality and water conservation work.

Support:  Inland Action supports the expedient completion of these studies and the resolution of the water quality problem in waters contained by the dam which are a high priority for the region. 

• ·      Water Resources Development Reauthorization Act

The Water Resources Development Reauthorization Act provides additional authority for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out its missions of navigation improvements at harbors and waterways, flood damage reduction in communities, and environmental restoration within our nation’s lakes, rivers and wetlands.  

The Reauthorization Act:

• o  Supports preserving and maintaining current federal law, which provides for federal participation through the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in a long-standing partnership with state and local governments for funding, implementing, and maintaining essential and environmentally sound navigation, harbor, beach management, and flow control projects across this nation. 
• o  Supports federal matching funds for local governments to plan for reducing flood damage risks under the WRDA and ask that the federal share of water resource projects not be shifted to state and local governments because most state and local governments do not have the fiscal resources to assume the federal share. 
• o  Requests that counties be consulted before the federal or state government undertakes water resource projects within the jurisdiction of the county. 
• o  Supports the federal government providing state and local governments with a major voice in the decision-making process, which includes the authority to assume full responsibility for planning and implementing flood control projects and determining the necessity or advisability of flood control projects by the federal government. 

Inland Action supports a timely reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Reauthorization Act. 

San Bernardino International Airport 

• ·      Support opening of Customs facility at SBIA with alternative TSA location until completion
• o  Inland Empire Regional Office-The greater Inland Empire region of Southern California is currently home to five commercial and cargo airports:  Ontario, March, Palm Springs, San Bernardino, and Victorville.  Current staffing administration and coordination for Inland Empire Airports is centralized through the international port of entry at Los Angeles International Airport. Significant cost savings and efficiencies can be achieved through the recognition of an Inland Empire Regional office for U.S. Customs services.  Such an office could service both existing User-Fee and Landing Rights Airports within geographic proximity to major commercial, cargo, rail, and goods movement corridors and allow for effective provision of inspection services for airports, ports of entry, and foreign trade zone businesses and users.
   
• ·      Continue Department of Commerce EDA Grants for SBIA Public Improvement projects
• o  The EDA grants are vital to the ongoing economic stimulus of the airport. They provide the ability to increase related economic activity with non airfield improvements.
   
• ·      Continue FAA Grants for SBIA Capital Improvement Plan

 

 Economic Development

• ·      Workforce Development

Inland Action fully supports the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act. The Inland Empire’s unemployment rate is close to 12 %, and a large percentage of the recipients who will be trained are dislocated workers. 

Support:   We are asking for support of the local system and private sector boards.  We feel the private sector boards are extremely effective working with local educational institutions and businesses. 

• ·      US Air Force 163d Reconnaissance Wing 

The Air Force is considering moving the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) mission for the 163d Wing based at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California to an east coast location. This is part of the move from the MQ-1 RPA to the more capable MQ-9. The Air Force should consider the investment in March ARB’s Flying Training Unit (FTU), which has trained over 160 Predator aircrews,  and the favorable weather for Predator training and flying in Inland Southern California and the high desert region. Inland Action asks that the five year buildup of the 163d RPA FTU and the money spent at Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA) is not wasted and that the 163d RW moves forward with the MQ-9 to support Air Force RPA missions into the future. 

Healthcare Issues

Over the next decade, California hospitals will face additional payment reductions in reimbursement through Medicare and Medicaid.  Unless something is done prior to January 2, 2013, Medicare will face a 2% cut to reimbursement through sequestration in 2013.  Recently, President Obama also released his 2013 FY budget which includes a proposal that would reduce Medicare spending by $267 billion and Medicaid spending by $50 billion over the next 10 years.  These items will worsen hospital losses and hurt the same organizations providing much to the economy as well as the state and cities within they reside.

                 Other

Community Enrichment Issues

Non-Profit organizations are an essential contributor to the overall health of communities.  Non-profits provide programs to help in all areas of a community’s life including healthcare, education, housing, the arts, job training, and more.

However, a report published in 2009 by the University of San Francisco called “The Inland Non-Profit Sector-A Growing Region faces the Challenges of Capacity” revealed a startling and discouraging statistic regarding the level of support received by the Inland Empire from private and public foundation grants.

Specifically, the Inland Empire receives $27 per capita from these sources.

The California average is $119 per capita

LA County receives $139 per capita

The SF Bay Area receives $650 per capita

Sadly, the report shows that an area in desperate need of this support receives very little of it!  Our goal is to increase our share of these important dollars. 

There are several reasons for this disparity.  The Riverside Community Foundation (and its Director Daniel Foster), is creating an Inland Empire Grants Development Initiative to identify these causes and create a strategy that will address them.  This will include creating an alliance of public and private leaders to support these initiatives. Inland Action is adding its support to this initiative.

How you can help.  Until we have defined the strategy in greater detail, we ask that you support our Region by being aware of this funding disparity, and when possible, encourage the many public and private foundations you come into contact with to review their funding allocations and consider increasing their support of programs in the Inland Empire.

     

 

Appointments for Inland Action, March 4-7, 2012

 

Sunday, March 4, 2012

9:00am-10:00am Organizational Meeting in the Sanctuary meeting room, Topaz Hotel downstairs across from the elevators.

1733 N Street NW

At this time you will receive your delegation book, meeting schedule and we will assign scribes and attendees for each meeting. This is an all hands meeting! 

Monday, March 5, 2012 

8:45am-9:00am:  Meeting with Congressman Buck McKeon. 

IA– Gonzalez, King, Lemann, Nightingale, Prentice, Scott, vonRajcs, Waller, Wilson

2184 Rayburn House Office Building

Contact: Candace Wagner (202) 225-1956

Metro Accessible: Blue or Orange Line, exit Capitol South

________________________________________________________________________

9:15am-10:45am: Meeting with Leticia White, Innovative Federal Strategies.

IA- Gonzalez, King, Lemann, Nightingale, Prentice, Scott, vonRajcs, Waller, Wilson.

511 C Street NE

Metro Accessible: Red line exit Union Square.  10-15 min walk or taxi from Union Station.

________________________________________________________________________ 

9:00am-10:30am:  Meeting with Kevin McCarty, US Conference of Mayors.

2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.  Sign in at front desk and proceed to 4^th floor, Suite 4300

IA– Barmack, Beswick, DiCamillo, Granillo, Inman, Johnson, Mirau, Primmer

9:00am-10:30am: Meeting with Jeff Shockey

2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.  Sign in at front desk and proceed to 4^th floor, Suite 4300

IA– Alexiou, Bogh, Brinker, Harrison, Mcready, Ng, Sharp, Shimoff 

Metro Accessible: Blue or Orange line exit Foggy Bottom and on to 18^th St.  Two block walk to corner of 20^th and Pennsylvania. 

Contact: Yvonne Galloway 202-370-5311

________________________________________________________________________ 

11:00am-11:30am: Meeting with Legislative Director Joe Sheehy on behalf of Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. 

IA- Max 15 people

1610 Longworth House Office Building

Contact: Joe Sheehy (202) 225-5256

Appointments for Inland Action, March 4-7, 2012

Monday, March 5, 2012 cont.

_____________________________________________________________

1:00-1:30pm Meeting with Jim Specht, Deputy Chief of Staff, Congressman Jerry Lewis

RE: Customs

IA– Beswick, Mirau, Prentice, Waller, Wilson

 2112 Rayburn Building-Office of Congressman Lewis

Contact  (202) 225-5861 Tamara

_______________________________________________________________________

4:30pm-5:00pm: Meeting with Ben DeLeon, Director Airport Planning & Programming.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

IA–Mirau, Prentice, Waller, Wilson

800 Independence Ave SW

Contact (202) 267-8775

________________________________________________________________________ 

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 

9:00am-10:00am: Meeting with Department of Transportation Office of Policy. 

IA-Beswick, Inman, Mcready, Mirau, Primmer  (Max 5 people).

1200 New Jersey Avenue Southeast, Washington D.C., DC (West Building- first one right across the street from the Navy Yard metro)

Metro Accessible: Green Line, exit Navy Yard

*Federico DeJesus will greet you inside the building.

________________________________________________________________________

10:30am-11:00am: Meeting with Legislative Assistant Sean Dillon on behalf of Congressman Jerry Lewis. 

IA– Brinker, King, Mcready, Sharp, Shimoff (Max 5 people).

2112 Rayburn House Office Building

Contact: Sean Dillon (202) 225-5861

Metro Accessible: Blue or Orange Line, exit Capitol South

________________________________________________________________________ 

11:30am-12:00pm: Meeting with Melinda Matson, Economic Development Administration. 

IA- Max 12 people

Department of Commerce- 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW

*Use 15^th Street and Constitution Avenue entrance

Contact: General EDA Office (202) 482-2900

________________________________________________________________________

11:30am-12:00pm: Meeting with Congressman Joe Baca. 

IA– Max 15 people

2366 Rayburn House Office Building

Contact: Nancy Juarez (202)225-6161

Metro Accessible: Blue or Orange Line, exit Capitol South

 

Appointments for Inland Action, March 4-7, 2012

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 cont. 

12:00pm-12:30pm: Meeting with Legislative Assistant James Peterson on behalf of Senator Dianne Feinstein. 

IA–Beswick, DiCamillo, Inman, Mcready, Mirau, Prentice, Scott, von Rajcs, Waller Max 10 people

331 Hart Senate Office Building

Contact: James Peterson (202) 224-3841

Metro Accessible: Red Line, exit Union Station

________________________________________________________________________ 

1:00pm-1:30pm:  Meeting with Congressman Gary Miller. 

IA– Max 15 people

2349 Rayburn House Office Building

Contact: Kevin McKee (202) 225-3201

Metro Accessible: Blue or Orange Line, exit Capitol South

______________________________________________________________________________ 

4:00-5:30pm:  Joint IA & MMG Meeting with Congressmen Ken Calvert, Jerry Lewis, Duncan Hunter, Gary Miller, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack

2218 Rayburn House Building

Contact: Tricia Evans (202) 225-1986

 

7:00pm Reception and 8:00pm Dinner

Credit Union House

403 C Street NE

________________________________________________________________________ 

11:00am-11:30am: Meeting with Ben Storms on behalf of Congresswoman Laura Richardson

1330 Longworth (*no more than 7 attendees)

(202) 225-7924

______________________________________________________________________________

12:00am-12:15pm: Meeting with Senator Barbara Boxer. 

IA– Max 10 people

*This will be a brief meet and greet (most likely 10-15mins)

*Meet Michael Weiss (Boxer Staffer) at Appointment’s Desk located on the Senate side of the Capitol.

Contact: Michael- Office (202) 224-1069 or cell (202) 497-2650

Metro Accessible: Red Line, exit Union Station

Appointments for Inland Action, March 4-7, 2012

1:00pm – 1:30pm :  Meeting with Congressman Duncan Hunter. 

IA– Max 15 people

223 Cannon House Office Building

Contact: Allison Sadoian (202) 225-5672

Metro Accessible: Blue or Orange Line, exit Capitol South 

 

                        2012 Sacramento Trip

 

Inland Action Issues

Sacramento Advocacy Trip 2012

 

EDUCATION

• o  Position: Inland Action encourages all California legislators to SUPPORT Cal Grants and REJECT any attempt to reduce the amount available from a Cal Grant.
• o  Background:  A Cal Grant is money for college which a student does not have to repay.  Assuming a student is eligible, a student could receive up to $12,192 at a University of California campus, up to $9,708 at an independent college and up to $5,472 at a California State University campus. In addition, it is possible to obtain an additional $1,551 grant for living allowances.

Proposal To Reduce Cal Grants:

Governor Brown has proposed reducing the amount available in a Cal Grant by $4,236 per student at an independent college.  This proposal targets ALL students, not just incoming students, but those who are already enrolled and have relied substantially on Cal Grant funds to attend college.

Impact Of Proposal, If Implemented:

Attached is an Inland Empire Fact Sheet as to the impact the proposed cut in Cal Grants would have on 10 independent, non-profit Universities principally located in the Inland Empire.  Also attached is a letter to the Press-Enterprise written by the Presidents of those nonprofit Universities encourage all Legislators to reject Governor Brown’s attempt to reduce the amount available from a Cal Grant.

• o  Position: Inland Action encourages all California legislators to SUPPORT AB 2275 (Achadjian).
• o  AB 2275 is an urgency bill to extend CalSTRS earning limits for certain experienced retirees.

Background: Under current law, a retiree under CalSTRS is limited to earning $31,020 per year while receiving benefits from Cal STRS.   However, because of the absence of a sufficient number of qualified leaders, there have been exemptions under limited circumstances for persons who can assistant districts that have emergency employment needs or are in fiscal crisis.  The current exemption to enable such persons to be employed expires effective June 30, 2012.

 

Proposed Emergency Law:

AB 2275 would extend the current exemptions until June 30, 2014.  This is “emergency legislation” which is critical to make sure those qualified persons can assist school districts to resolve their existing fiscal crisis.

 

ENVIRONMENT

• o  SB 250 Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: Delta Plan: Conveyance Facility

Position: Inland Action supports a bill that requires the delta plan to be released and completed by proposed set date.

• Background: Existing law imposes requirements on the Department of Water Resources in connection with the preparation of a Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP).

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009 requires the Delta Stewardship Council to consider the BDCP for inclusion in a specified Delta Plan, and requires the incorporation of the BDCP into the Delta Plan if the BDCP meets certain requirements, including a requirement that the BDCP include a comprehensive review and analysis of a range of Delta conveyance alternatives, including through-Delta, dual conveyance, and isolated conveyance alternatives and capacity and design options of specified canals and pipelines.

 

• o  This bill would require that the departments development of certain Delta conveyance facilities be completed on or before February 15, 2013, and would require that the construction of those facilities be completed by December 31, 2025.
• o  The Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) is necessary to ensure both state water supply reliability and Delta ecosystem restoration.

Position: Inland Action strongly urges completion of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, and a Delta Plan that creates a clear path for its success .

Background: As stated by the Southern California Water Committee “The sustainability of California’s economy, the eighth largest in the world, depends upon a reliable source of water. The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Delta) is the hub of our state’s water delivery system and home to one of California’s most important ecosystems. Twenty-five million Californian’s –nearly two-thirds of the state’s population-and millions of acres of farmland rely on water that passes through the Delta. As the health of the Delta environment has deteriorated and fish populations declined, state and federal    regulations have limited the Delta’s ability to convey an adequate supply of water to southern, central and northern California. And, aging Delta levees are crumbling and not able to withstand the impacts of catastrophic earthquakes, floods and rising sea levels. This and to achieve the co-equal goals of water supply reliability and growing crisis poses the threat of statewide economic and ecological disaster.” Immediate and continued action is necessary to contribute to the sustainability of the Delta Delta ecosystem restoration, as stated in the Delta Reform Act of 2009.

HEALTH CARE

• o  Preserve funds in the State budget meant for disproportionate-share hospitals (DSH)

Background: The fiscal year (FY) 2012 – 13 proposed state budget contains significant reductions in health and human services.  One such item proposes to redirect hospital stabilization funds that have not yet been paid to private and non-designated public hospitals that are disproportionate-share hospitals. This funding was intended to help these hospitals cover the costs of providing services going back to FYs 2007 – 08 through 2009 – 10 as part of the 2005 hospital financing waiver agreement. This proposal would redirect $43 million to the state’s General Fund, which would mean those hospitals would see $86 million less in stabilization funds, due to the loss of the federal match, for services provided from 2007 through 2010.  Those dollars would be taken to fill budget shortfalls within the general fund.  12 facilities in the Inland Empire (including Community Hospital of San Bernardino and Loma Linda) would be impacted by those cuts.

 

Position: Oppose the redirection of hospital stabilization funds amounting to a reduction of $86 million to certain disproportionate-share hospitals.

 

• o  Dual Eligible Demonstration Project

Background: An estimated 1.1 million Medi-Cal beneficiaries are “dual eligibles”— low-income seniors and younger people with disabilities who are enrolled in both the Medi-Cal and Medicare programs.  Dual eligibles are among the sickest and poorest individuals covered by either the Medi-Cal or Medicare programs. They comprise only 15 percent of the total Medi-Cal enrollment, yet represent 27 percent of annual Medi-Cal spending ($2.4 billion General Fund). Dual eligibles in California represent more than $20 billion in combined federal and state spending for Medi-Cal and Medicare services. Medicare primarily pays for acute and hospital care and prescription drugs, while Medi-Cal generally helps to pay for long-term care and other services not covered by Medicare.  Within the Inland Empire, there are projected to be 107,038 “duals” (55,326 in San Bernardino County and 51,712 in Riverside County).  In addition, it is estimated that 18% of Medicare enrollees in Riverside County are “duals” and 25% in San Bernardino County are “duals”.

 

Position: Inland Action supports improved care coordination for dual eligibles.  Improved care coordination can reduce potentially preventable admissions, resulting in overall health care cost savings. In addition, dual eligible are Medicare enrollees first and foremost; therefore, Medicare services should be reimbursed at full Medicare rates to providers.

 

• o  Oppose SB 1285 (Hernandez)

What the bill will do: Would require a hospital with an out-of-network emergency utilization rate of 50 percent or more to adjust its billed charges for emergency services provided to a patient prior to stabilization to an amount no greater than the hospital could expect to receive from Medicare, or–if the Medicare payment amount is not sufficient to cover its costs–to an amount no greater than a good faith and reasonable estimate of the actual cost of providing the services.

 

Background: Hospitals and health plans often enter into contracts to ensure patients have access to health care at agreed-upon rates. While most health plan enrollees receive health care services at in-network hospitals, they may receive care from an out-of-network hospital in an emergency. Existing law establishes a detailed process for determining how non-contracted hospitals are reimbursed and how patients may be transferred to an in-network hospital after they have been stabilized. This bill would set a complicated default reimbursement rate for hospital emergency services that could serve as a disincentive to contracting and limit access to health care.

     

Position: Oppose SB 1285 (Hernandez), which would establish a default reimbursement rate for emergency services provided by hospitals that have an out-of-network emergency utilization rate of 50 percent or greater. Default rates based on Medicare and costs serve as a disincentive to contracting because in many cases they will become the starting point for one-sided negotiations, making it difficult for hospitals to negotiate adequate contracts. Fair reimbursement for emergency services provided by non-contracted hospitals should be protected.

 

• o  Support UCR School of Medicine

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

• o  ADA Abuse Bill must be passed to protect small business owners from unintentional violations of Americans with Disabilities Act.

Position: Support SB1186 (Dutton) which would give property owners time to fix violations before they can be sued.

Back     ground: Unscrupulous plaintiffs/lawyers continue to coerce small business owners into paying settlements by threatening potentially costlier lawsuits targeting minor violations under the state’s access and civil rights laws. It appears these suits and demand letters are driven by a unique California law, that unlike the federal (American with Disabilities Act), permits the recovery of damages for non-compliance. Senator Dutton along with other legislators have introduced bills aimed at curbing disability lawsuits by giving property owners time to fix violations before they can be sued.

 

• o  Post Redevelopment Legislation must be passed to obtain necessary changes to the redevelopment dissolution process and to work on new economic development tools for local agencies to bring some order to the meltdown surrounding RDA’s across the state. RDA’s have been eliminated and the end result is completely disjointed.
• o  Position: Inland Action supports the formation of a Bipartisan Joint Task Force to work with the Senate Governance and Finance Committee to discuss the various post-redevelopment bills and attempt to achieve consensus on what should be moved forward. SB 986 (Dutton), SB 115 (Steinberg), SB 1156 (Stenberg) are options, all of which would provide some degree of clarity on the use of bond proceeds and the type of entity needed to continue community development work.

Background: The Governor has eliminated Redevelopment Agencies and the dissolution process is in complete disarray. The league of California Cities has come out in support of the formation of a Joint Task Force to work at resolving differences of various bills they feel have merit.

 

The League testified in support of SB 986 (Dutton), which would provide much needed clarity on the handling of unexpended bond proceeds. Amendments made on April 11 narrowed the bill significantly. Under the revised bill, oversight boards may approve the expenditure of bond proceeds, provided that: (1) the bonds were issued before Dec. 31, 2010, and (2) the obligation is required to meet a federal or state matching fund requirement, meet the expenditure requirements for a local, or is require to complete “critical public infrastructure.”

 

The bill contains a listing of types of projects not considered to be “critical public infrastructure.” Technical amendments were made to the bill and it was passed out of committee. The bill is now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

 

Also during the committee, Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) presented his SB1151 and SB1156. Both measures are works in progress. An initial summary of these measure prepared by the League is available on the League’s website.

 

SB1151 would establish a trust fund for cities and counties that adopt a joint powers agreement (JPA) so that the JPA would retain former redevelopment agency assets and funds. The JPA must complete a long term asset management plan that must be approved by the Department of Finance by Dec. 31. The plan must include a strategy for maximizing the long term assets for the purpose of creating high wage, high skill jobs and affordable housing.

SB1156 would authorize cities and counties to create a Community Development and Housing JPA to carry out the provisions of Community Development Law. The JPA could adopt a 30-year redevelopment plan without making a determination of blight, although project areas would be limited. Tax increment could be used so long as the entity with land use authority (the city) mitigates the losses to schools and public safety services with other revenue. A 20 percent inclusionary housing element and a strict sustainable parking ordinance would also be required in project areas.

 

• o  Pension Reform: Skyrocketing public pension and benefits are probably the largest single contributor to our state and local governments deficit. We can no longer ignore the fact that California is the only state in the nation that allows pension benefits to be negotiated at the bargaining table. Something must be done now.
• o  Position: Inland Action, at a minimum, supports the Governor’s twelve point pension reform plan.
• o  Background: The majority of California public pension plans are defined benefit plans that compensate retirees based on what they need to live in the future rather than what they have contributed to retirement. In addition, retirees are eligible for health benefits after retirement. Often the employee contributes monthly to retirement.

 

Further complicating the matter for voters is the fact that California is the only state in the nation that allows pension benefits to be negotiated at the bargaining table. It’s also the only state with constitutionally-protected public pensions and benefits, which makes it exceedingly difficult to make progress in reform.

 

Governor’s Pension Reform Proposal:

1. Eliminate Purchase of Airtime. Would eliminate the opportunity, for all current and future employee members of all state and local retirement systems, to purchase additional retirement service credit. (RN 14777) (Note Walters, SB 522, would eliminate Air Time)

 

2. Prohibit Pension Holidays. All California public agencies would be prohibited from suspending employer and/or employee contributions necessary to fund the normal cost of pension benefits. (RN 14777)

 

3. Prohibit Employers from Making Employee Pension Contributions. All California public agencies would be prohibited from making employee contributions that fund the normal cost of employee retirement benefits in whole or in part. (RN 14777)

 

4. Prohibit Retroactive Pension Increases. All California public agencies would be prohibited from granting any retroactive pension benefit increases, such as benefit formula improvements that credit prior service (RN 14777)

 

5. Prohibit Pension Spiking: three Year Final Compensation. Final compensation for new employees would be defined as the highest average annual compensation during a consecutive 36 month period. (RN 14777)

6. Prohibit Pension Spiking: Define Compensation as Only Regular, Non-recurring Pay. Compensation means normal rate of pay or base pay. (RN 14777) (Note Simitian, SB 27, would exclude from defined benefit changes in compensation principally for the purpose of enhancing benefits; would place stricter limits on creditable compensation)

 

7. Felony Convictions. Prohibits payment of pension benefits to those who commits a felony related to their employment. (RN 14777) (*Note Strickland, SB 115, similar prohibition)

PROPOSALS UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Impose Pension Benefit Cap.

Improve Retirement Board Governance

Limit Post-Retirement Public Employment

 Hybrid Option

 

Address CalSTRS Unfunded Liability

While a number of these proposals such as limited post retirement public employment would have a negative impact on education, something has to be done now.

 

TRANSPORTATION

• o  Adoption of a State container fee similar to that proposed by Senator Alan Lowenthal – Inland Action, a coalition of business leaders, believes that transportation projects drive jobs and jobs drive the local economy. A state container fee would generate a dedicated source of funding for needed transportation investments in moving cargo through the state with dedicated truck and rail lanes significantly improving freeway traffic and significantly reducing related emissions. There needs to be a dedicated California funding source based on volume in order to optimize needed transportation investments in California. There are fears that California would NOT receive its fair share of funding from a National goods movement bill. Although there could be a moderate reduction in freight volume caused by competing ports outside of California, most experts believe that California would still retain the vast majority of volume primarily because it is a large consumer state. Additionally, significant transportation investments would speed up delivery adding further value to the system.   
• o  Extend expedited CEQA process to large transportation projects – The New state law (AB 900 Buchanan) provides for an expedited CEQA process for large projects exceeding $100 million that create jobs and maintain or reduce greenhouse gasses. Inland Actions proposes that this process be extended for publically financed transportation projects that meet the same criteria.  
• o  California needs to adopt and expand the use of toll roads as another source of funding needed transportation projects for improving traffic flows – California’s roads and expressways are crowded and in disrepair. Investments are needed that enhance the state’s neglected transportation infrastructure, and tolling offers the state and its residences a fair and ideal way of funding these projects.
• o  Continue to prioritize proposition 1B transportation bonds in upcoming bond sales – Job creating infrastructure projects throughout California are nearing readiness for construction and require continued successful bond sales to fund these projects. Inland Action urges the Administration, Treasurer, and Legislature to continue to fulfill the will of the voters who approved 1B by prioritizing the sale of bonds to fund important self-ready state transportation infrastructure projects. The Legislature must maintain a budget that is based on realistic assumptions allowing the Treasurer to move forward with a successful bond sale.
• o  Move the Ontario Airport to local control and/or make landing fees the same as LAX – Airport traffic is down by 47% since 2007 and the number of destinations available to into has been cut by nearly 60%. This reduction in flights has resulted in an upward cost spiral for airlines serving Ontario due to over-staffing and administration fees imposed by LAWA. Likewise, airline fees at Ontario are significantly higher than other regional airports including the fees charges at LAX, also under the control of LAWA.  Based on this inconsistent pricing, LA’s control of both airports could be considered a conflict of interest. Under LAWA’s management, there has been an estimated loss of 8,000 airport related jobs and $400 million in annual business activity.
• o  Support the Gold Line Extension Bill AB 1600 (Torres) which would allow the line to cross San Bernardino County.
• o  Status of funding for SANBAG shovel ready projects – There are four San Bernardino projects that SANGAB is requesting allocations from CMIA savings:
• §  I-10/Tippecanoe Phase 1: asking $10 million.
• §  I-215/Newport Avenue bridge replacement: asking $3.4 million.
• §  I-15/Ranchero Road: asking $21.5 million.
• §  I-15/Duncan Canyon: asking $12 million.

SACRAMENTO Appointment Schedule-May 2012

• ·     Monday, May 21, 2012
• o  Arrive 11 a.m.-Lunch
• o  2:30     Agnes Lee, Health Consultant on behalf of Speaker Perez-Room  317 (20 plus)- Jamie 916-319-2207
• o  2:30     Assemblyman Bob Huff, Minority Leader-in his office (? People) 916-319-2036
• o  2:30     Assemblyman Steve Knight-in his office (?people) 916-319-2036
• o  3:00     Assemblyman Mike Morrell-in his office Room (people) 916-319-2063 
• o  3:30     Andrea Margolis –Assembly Budget Committee-Conf. Room # 6026  (916)-319-2099
• o  4:00     Senator Bob Dutton-in his office #5097 (holds 8 plus standing room)
• o  4:30     Assemblyman Bill Berryhill-in his office (4-5 people) Room 3144 (916) 319-2026
• o  5:30      Esquire Grill reception and dinner (dinner at 7:00 p.m.)

         Tuesday, May 22, 2012-Room 115 State Capitol (9am-4pm)

• o  9:30     Assemblyman Paul Cook-in his office Room # 5164 (Max 5 people + standing room)
• o  10:00   EPA-Secretary Matt Rodriguez & Staffer Kristi  Stauffacher
• o  10:30   Dawn Adler, Legislative Director on behalf of Assemblymember Wilmer Carter
• o  11:00   Senator Bill Emmerson
• o  11:00   Robert Oaks, Legislative Director on behalf of Senator Carol Liu  in room 5061
• o  11:30   Matt Cox, Sr. Policy Consultant-on behalf of Senator Ted Gaines  916-651-4001
• o  Noon-1:30 p.m. Lunch at SPATARO, 1415 L St. (Reservation for Inland Action)
• o  2:00     Assemblymember Norma Torres  916-319-2061
• o  2:30     Appointment Secretary Mona Pasquil-Rebecca May 916-445-4541
• o  2:45     Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal (or staff)-Room # 3152 Annex (5-6 people) 916-319-2054
• o  4:00     Steve Glazer, Special Advisor to the Governor