Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Hybrid Meeting In-Person and via ZOOM
Minutes
Present: Deborah Barmack, Peter Barmack, Carole Beswick, Greg Bradbard, Mike Burrows, Chris Carrillo, Mark Cloud, Michelle Decker, Dr. Sam Gibbs, Louis Goodwin, Lowell King, Steve Lambert, Bill Lemann, Michael Lewin, Darcy McNaboe, Miguel Mendoza, Jaqueline Mercado, John Mirau, Dan Murphy, Robert Nava, Vikki Ostermann, Catherine Pritchett, Thomas Rice, Michael Rivera, Dan Roberts, Dan Schenkel, Kristine Scott, Jose Torres, Eric Ustation, Lupe Valdez, Pete Van Helden, Reggie Webb, Michael Wells, and Frank Zabaleta.
Primary and Alternate representatives were directed to their respective meeting rooms where devices were provided for Zoom participant access.
The full Board reconvened in the Inland Action meeting room at 8:10 a.m. to share their discussions, potential federal and State issues, and areas of cross committee collaboration.
Judiciary: On the State-side Superior Court of San Bernardino County Presiding Judge Yabuno will be asked to speak with Inland Action committee members. Committee members will review the 2021 annual report that was issued in April by the County Courts to get updated. On the Federal side they will lobby for a third Judicial Officer. Once seated, they will pivot to focus on space and facilities. Background work for a new Federal Courthouse that began with Congressman Calvert and others will continue. Judge Kato is still pending in the Senate, and it is unknown if they will take on in a lame duck session. If not, she will need to be renominated at the new congress in January. Chief Judge Gutierrez has been scheduled to speak to Inland Action on January 24, 2023 and will update us on the statistics and needs of the court. Coordination with other Committees include Transportation as travel from the I.E to L.A. increases traffic congestion and smog. Additionally, this excessive travel time is burdensome and not good for business. Timely resolution is needed, and the Economic Development Committee should weigh in.
Healthcare: Federal issues include workforce support and increased residency slots. Government payers are predominant in our systems, which include Med-cal and Medicare. Hospitals are experiencing shortages in many areas, but the demand and the increased use of travel nurses are a huge expense. An increase in broadband access is critical to keep people healthy and out of unnecessary hospital emergency rooms. California has a 7-year preparation time to comply with additional seismic issues that will take effect in 2030.
Education: They will continue to push for doubling Pell Grants. They will review current legislation to get a better understanding of impacts. Discussion included mental health opportunities and its impact with education. White House Initiative Latino Economic Summit held on Thursday; Nov. 17 at Cal State San Bernardino will likely have potential take aways on policies.
Environment: Water infrastructure and Delta Conveyance will remain a focus. They will partner with the Transportation Committee regarding the Clean Air Act deadline. Many bills have been passed but follow up is needed on the distribution of funding for the Salton Sea, fighting wildfires and hydrogen production.
Transportation: Although the State is not supporting increased capacity, they will frame dialog and include Caltrans regarding the need for capacity which promotes safety and impacts healthcare and emergency response time. There is a need for electric vehicle production and the chargers and infrastructure they require.
Economic Development: There is a labor shortage in many sectors and Committee members discussed the Inland Empire Technical Trade Center in Jurupa Valley. Training and education are key to meet the needs of our business community. They will work with Healthcare and Education on these issues as there is much overlap.
Announcements: 1) Event December 2, 2022, The Riverside Community College District will hold their Chancellors Reception on December 2, 2022, in their new Center for Social Justice. Please contact Inland Action staff for more information. 2) A reminder that the Inland Action Holiday Party will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Magic Lamp in Rancho Cucamonga. All representatives and their guest are encouraged to attend.
Motion by T. Rice /Second/Passed: Minutes from November 8, 2022.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 a.m.