The Barbed Wire - July 26, 2019

Register for RCRC’s 2019 Annual Meeting in El Dorado County!!!

Registration is now open for RCRC’s 2019 Annual Meeting!  This year’s conference will be held September 25-27 at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel in El Dorado County.  This year’s program will feature experts discussing a wide range of topics on critical issues shaping California’s future.  Register today to receive the “Early Bird” rate!  Read More…

Safe Drinking Water Fund Legislation Signed Into Law

On Wednesday, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 200, authored by Senator Bill Monning (D-Monterey), which establishes the program by which the monies ($130 million) included in the recently enacted State Budget would be expended. 

Among the provisions of particular importance to rural California’s disadvantaged communities is the authority to fund operation and maintenance for drinking water facilities to meet current standards.  In addition, SB 200 will underwrite consolidation costs for public waters, community waters systems, and state small water systems into more efficient purveyors of drinking water.  SB 200 also directs the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to consult with relevant stakeholders to identify and prioritize aquifers at highest risk of containing contaminants and/or exceed safe drinking water standards.  In combination, the provisions of SB 200 make great strides in meeting the drinking water needs of California’s most vulnerable communities.

RCRC has been working with Senator Monning and a variety of stakeholders for the past three years in an effort to address these critical drinking water needs in disadvantaged communities.  RCRC appreciates the Governor’s signature on this priority measure.

RCRC Officer to Participate in National Drought Forum

Next week, RCRC 1st Vice Chair Daron McDaniel of Merced County and RCRC staff will be attending the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) 2nd National Drought Forum (Forum) in Washington, D.C., scheduled July 30-31, 2019.  

Supervisor McDaniel was invited to participate on a panel discussion titled “Drought Conditions: Past, Present, and Forecasted” to share one California county’s experiences during the last drought. In addition, he has been asked to speak to the accomplishments in the intervening seven years, and the role of intergovernmental coordination in drought response.  The panel will share the progress made and opportunities that remain across sectors and levels of government.

The Forum’s goals include taking stock of lessons learned and progress towards U.S. drought readiness since the last Forum in 2012; strengthening the state-federal relationship to realize greater collaboration and promote cooperative partnerships with U.S. businesses to address drought across time scales and across levels of government and sectors; discussing new information and opportunities for coordination that help move the nation from a reactive to a proactive approach to drought risk management; and, producing a list of “action items” that could improve U.S. drought readiness and resilience.

Supervisor McDaniel and RCRC staff will also take the opportunity spend the day on Capitol Hill to advocate on RCRC’s water priorities.

Apply Now to Become a Member of the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission

The California State Auditor began accepting applications for the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission) in June, but there are now only a few weeks left in the initial application period, which runs through August 9, 2019. 

The California State Auditor is looking for eligible Californians who have a passion for civic engagement to apply to serve on the Commission. This 14-member Commission will be redrawing Congressional, State Senate, State Assembly, and State Board of Equalization districts based on new population data from the U.S. Census.

You can see how many residents of a county have applied by visiting the Shape California’s Future statistics page. Here you can also see other demographics such as gender, ethnicity, and political affiliation.

Interested individuals are encouraged to visit ShapeCaliforniasFuture.auditor.ca.gov.

Cannabis Banking Update

On Tuesday, the Senate Banking Committee (Committee) held a legislative hearing on the SAFE Banking Act, a bill that would lift the federal prohibition on cannabis banking.  Most banks and credit unions refuse to service cannabis related business because the drug remains illegal under federal law.  The SAFE Banking Act would create a safe harbor from federal cannabis regulations for financial institutions servicing cannabis related businesses that are compliant with state laws.  

Senators Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) testified before the Committee on the importance of the cannabis banking issue and bringing the cannabis industry into the financial system.  Senators Gardner and Merkley touched on the public safety issue of an industry comprised of cash only businesses which incentivize robbery and money laundering.  John Lord, a cannabis business owner, would later testify on the financial and security challenges posed to all cannabis businesses.

After the hearing, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) said there is a “strong case to be made” for cannabis banking legislation despite lingering regulatory concerns. Chairman Crapo was the only Republican to attend the hearing, indicating a lack of interest from the Senate majority.  Whether the SAFE Banking Act will have enough support to move through the Senate remains uncertain.

Some supporters of cannabis banking legislation are concerned Democrats will push for broader reforms to cannabis policy before supporting a safe harbor for the banking industry.  While several Democrats in attendance were supportive of the SAFE Banking Act, Ranking Member Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) also asked whether cannabis businesses are hiring workers with former cannabis convictions.  Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) also indicated the cannabis industry should be an opportunity for individuals incarcerated for marijuana use.

Infrastructure Update

Next week, Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) is expected to introduce a surface transportation reauthorization bill that could receive a hearing from the Senate EPW Committee before the August recess begins next Friday.  

The bill is reported to call for $287 billion in federal spending on surface transportation, a $60 billion increase from current levels.  The bill would replace the FAST Act, the current surface transportation law scheduled to expire in September 2020.  Chairman Barrasso’s legislation could be the most significant infrastructure package to pass Congress this year.

Bill of the Week: Restoring Local Control Over Public Infrastructure Act

RCRC has conveyed its support to the Restoring Local Control Over Public Infrastructure Act (Act), authored by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.  The Act would overturn the Federal Communications Commission’s order and restore the authority of local governments to make important determinations regarding the siting of wireless facilities in their respective communities. 

RCRC believes land use decisions, including the siting of telecommunication equipment, must  remain a local community process.  Federal policies that preempt the application review process and lessen discretion presents significant concerns to California’s rural counties.  RCRC supports a regulatory framework that not only empowers local governments to determine the best pathway to viable broadband service in their communities, but also incentivizes broadband deployment to those rural areas that remain unserved and underserved. 

RCRC’s support letter can be accessed here.  Please contact Tracy Rhine, RCRC Legislative Advocate, at (916) 447-4806 or trhine@rcrcnet.org for more information.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

The Legislature adjourned for Summer Recess on Friday, July 12, 2019, and will reconvene activities on Monday, August 12, 2019. 

For more information regarding state legislative activities, please contact the RCRC Governmental Affairs staff at (916) 447-4806.