State Capitol Updates

Last weeks of session will see last-minute wins and fails: These are the bills still in the balance

Assemblymember Garcia's bill to protect disadvantaged communities from freeway expansions and accompanying pollution burdens failed to meet the deadline

This seemingly sudden agreement on high-speed rail is a little anti-climactic, if welcome.

This (Wednesday) afternoon, the California Senate Insurance Committee will consider a bill whose author, Assemblymember Reginald Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), claims its aim is to protect pedestrians - but which would instead kill bike- and scooter-share systems in California.

Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Tony Tavares, current Caltrans District chief for L.A.-Ventura Counties, as the new head of Caltrans

Committee passes three bills from Senator Wiener: CEQA exemptions for sustainable transportation and student housing, plus the Climate Corporate Accountability Act

Bill from Senator Portantino would offer a tax credit to people who do not own cars

Since January, TransForm has been working with transit riders and advocacy groups across the state to meet with legislators and the governor’s office to express the urgent need for transit operations funding. Operations dollars support transit service, as well as operator salaries and fare reduction programs — the elements of frequent, reliable, and affordable transit. What’s more, agencies have already sounded the alarm that many are heading towards “fiscal cliffs,” massive budget shortfalls that could lead to service cuts, stranded riders, and laid-off workers. But in our meetings, “the Gann Limit” is often referenced as a roadblock to funding transit operations in this year’s budget.

"Suspense Day" is over and many of the bills Streetsblog is tracking have moved on to a floor vote.