Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Primary/Alternate Only Meeting-Committee Work
Hybrid Meeting In-Person and via ZOOM
Minutes
Present: Megan Barajas, Deborah Barmack, Peter Barmack, Carole Beswick, Rebecca Boydston, Greg Bradbard, Mike Burrows, Ken Coate, Kevin Dyerly, Dr. Sam Gibbs, Louis Goodwin, Otis Greer, T. Milford Harrison, Fran Inman, Steve Lambert, Mike Layne, Bill Lemann, Darcy McNaboe, Jacquelyn Mercado, Dan Murphy, Catherine Pritchett, Thomas Rice, Robert Nava, Vikki Ostermann, Catherine Pritchett, Thomas Rice, Michael Rivera, Dan Roberts, Elizabeth Romero, Dan Schenkel, Kristine Scott, Jose Torres, Eric Ustation, Lupe Valdez, Pete Van Helden, Reggie Webb, Ray Wolfe and Frank Zabaleta.
Committees met in their respective rooms from 7:30a.m. to 8:10a.m. The full board reconvened in the Inland Action meeting room for Inland Action business, committee collaboration, and discussion.
Announcements: 1) Staff attended a briefing of all things tribal by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians where they expressed appreciation for Inland Action’s support on the gaming initiative. 2) Plans are being made for the advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. Inland Action will pay hotel cost for 3 nights and round-trip airfare for a representative from member organizations. Travel is suggested for Sunday, March 5, 2023, with departure on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Those who wish to arrive earlier will be responsible for the extra day’s hotel charge. A reception while in D.C. will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at a reserved townhouse.
The second reading was made for prospective new member: Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Qiana Charles, Vice President, and Regional Executive of the Los Angeles branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco would serve as their primary representative and Chi Elder, Regional Engagement Officer would serve as their Alternate representative. If approved as a member, their dues will be sequestered for use that does not involve advocacy per their requirements. Both our Treasurer and Assist. Treasurer were consulted and sanctioned their request. Members will vote next week. To learn more, go to https://www.frbsf.org/
National CORE has asked that Greg Bradbard serve as their primary representative replacing Steve PonTell as he is no longer with National CORE. They would like Sandra Espadas to serve as their alternate.
Motion by T. Rice/Second/Passed: Greg Bradbard will serve as the primary representative and Sandra Espadas will serve as the alternate representative for National CORE Renaissance.
Motion by D. Roberts/Second/Passed: Minutes from December 6, 2022.
Committee Summary
Transportation: Capacity enhancement will be their focus. They discussed creating an Inland Empire goods movement coalition using a JPA approach. This could be a good way to better define and tell our story. They can have a slate of ready projects across the Inland Empire with transportation authorities and industry defining top funding priorities. Tax measures are expected to return to the ballots and most voters are unlikely to approve funding if capacity is not addressed.
Economic Development: Labor shortages could benefit from further funding for trade schools. A new form of the Affordable Housing Bill 6602 sponsored by Congressman Aguilar will likely be introduced and will get bi-partisan support. They also discussed the inflation reduction act, and we should be ready with appropriate ideas for its use. Movement on this is unlikely till after the first of the year.
Healthcare: Support for hospitals and health systems is critical as care for the homeless has burdened the system. Workforce shortages are severe and are a major financial issue with hospitals needing to pay contract nurses three times the regular rate. Equity and access to healthcare were also discussed.
Education: The committee discussed upscaling apprenticeships, which is an ongoing issue. They would like to collaborate with Healthcare regarding mental health care services for K-12 through higher education as it is a major issue for our communities. A majority of funding has been on a one-time basis and sustained support is needed for students. Basic needs for students were also addressed as was the ongoing national campaign to double PELL grants. Affordable student housing remains a concern and the inflation reduction act may help. DACA reform is still of concern and remains on their radar.
Environment: The Salton Sea remains a long-term priority with major environmental impacts. They request information from the Transportation Committee to be ready to combat any backlash regarding capacity building. Additionally, all other committees should feel free to touch base with the Environment Committee for their perspective and support on issues.
Judiciary: Chief Judge Gutierrez has been scheduled to speak to Inland Action on January 24, 2023, and will update us on needs of the court. A new federal courthouse in the Inland Empire remains a priority. Judge Kato may need to be renominated in the new Congress as she got a tie vote recently in committee. There is an approved plan to reconfigure existing space in the Riverside courthouse. The build-out would accommodate an additional chamber and jury room which would make space for another judge.
Staff asked that Committees give them their appointment requests.
Meeting adjourned at 8:36 a.m.