This week, California Senate Transportation Chair Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley), state lawmakers, labor leaders, business leaders, and construction trade workers stood together to call upon the Legislature to support the Governor’s proposal to dedicate $1 billion annually from Cap-and-Trade revenues to keep California’s high-speed rail on track.
In The News
BETTER TOGETHER: Some California lawmakers in search of capital city accommodations may end up feeling like they’re back in college.
Since most legislators’ districts aren’t close to Sacramento, they need someplace to crash when they’re in session. Although there’s a sizable crew of hotel dwellers — dubbed by some the “Sheraton caucus” — a handful of lawmakers opt to rent housing with their colleagues in lieu of living out of suitcases.
California's high-speed rail project is at a critical juncture, with state lawmakers urging the Legislature to approve a $1-billion annual investment sourced from cap-and-trade revenue. This funding is essential to keep the project moving forward amid suspended federal funds. During a news conference on Monday (August 25), State Senator Dave Cortese emphasized the need for consistent financial support, stating, "We can’t build a 21st-century transportation system on one-time money alone."According to the Los Angeles Times, the cap-and-trade program, which requires polluters to buy credits to offset emissions, could provide the necessary funds.
As federal funds for California’s high-speed rail project remain suspended, state lawmakers urged the Legislature to approve a $1-billion-per-year investment pulled from cap-and-trade revenue while linking the future of the project to job opportunity across the state.
As federal funds for California’s high-speed rail project remain suspended, state lawmakers urged the Legislature to approve a $1-billion-per-year investment pulled from cap-and-trade revenue while linking the future of the project to job opportunity across the state.
California legislators and formerly incarcerated firefighters are urging swift passage of the “Firefighting to Freedom” legislative package, which they say would boost pay, provide benefits, and create career opportunities for those who risk their lives battling the state’s wildfires while incarcerated.
California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber will host an event on Aug. 25 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – landmark federal legislation that outlawed discriminatory voting practices and expanded ballot access nationwide.
Senate Bill 442, which has already passed the state Senate, aims to improve working conditions for employees but faces opposition from industry representatives.