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    5.    
LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: 12/11/2014  
Subject:    Proposed 2015 Federal Legislative Platform
Submitted For: LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
Department: County Administrator  
Referral No.: 2014-43  
Referral Name: Proposed 2015 Federal Legislative Platform
Presenter: L. DeLaney Contact: L. DeLaney, 925-335-1097
Information
Referral History:
Each fall, the County Administrator’s Office initiates the development of the coming year’s State and Federal Legislative platforms by inviting members of the Board of Supervisors, Department Heads and key staff, and our federal advocate, Alcalde & Fay, to provide recommended changes or additions to the current, adopted Platforms.

In October, departments were invited to provide suggested changes to the Federal Platform by submitting input in writing.

The Legislation Committee reviewed a draft document at its November meeting and provided direction to staff. The Proposed 2015 Federal Platform includes additional refinements and is presented for consideration by the Legislation Committee. A final Platform is expected for action by the Board of Supervisors in January 2015.
Referral Update:
Amendments from the first draft 2015 Federal Platform include for the Committee's consideration and direction the following in the Proposed 2015 Federal Platform for adoption by the Board of Supervisors:
  • The County would also support federal funding for the rehabilitation and replacement of rail bridges.

  • Northern Waterfront Initiative – support funding for a short-line railroad feasibility study for the Northern Waterfront Corridor and a Land-Use Cost-Benefit/Fiscalization study for the Northern Waterfront.

  • SUPPORT full funding of the Federal Medicaid program. Medicaid provides access to health care for people whose income and resources are insufficient to pay for health care. It is jointly funded by Federal and State governments. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act significantly expanded both eligibility for and federal funding of Medicaid. Support full funding of Medicaid by the Federal government.

  • Rail Safety – Contra Costa County is home to a substantial oil refinery industry with four refineries located in the County. The County supports Senator Heitkamp’s Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act, S. 2547, which would establish a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) panel focused on railroad incident first responders. By bringing together under FEMA’s National Advisory Council all relevant agencies, emergency responders, technical experts, and the private sector for a review of training, resources, best practices, and unmet needs related to emergency responders to railroad hazmat incidents, the RESPONSE Act will begin the process of addressing shortcomings in existing emergency response practices and procedures. It will also address the effectiveness of funding levels related to training local emergency responders for rail hazardous materials incidents.

    The County also supports FEMA funding for the training of first responders, regulations that increase tank car safety standards for cars transporting crude oil and other hazardous materials, and regulations that require railroads to share data with state emergency managers and local responders.

  • SparkPoint, Service Integration – The County will support federal funding for the establishment and operation of SparkPoint and Service Integration models. SparkPoint Centers are one-stop, financial-education centers that help individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. SparkPoint helps clients address immediate financial crises, get them back on their feet, and build financial security. Each center brings together a full range of services at one convenient location, including job training, career development and financial coaching, as well as access to higher education and savings accounts. The Contra Costa County Service Integration Program co-locates county and non-profit agency service providers and community residents in neighborhood-based family service centers to provide accessible, coordinated public services tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of low-income families, while also engaging families in resident-driven efforts to revitalize their communities.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
REVIEW the Proposed 2015 Federal Legislative Platform, provide direction to staff on any recommended changes, and RECOMMEND action to the Board of Supervisors.
Attachments
2015 Proposed Federal Platform

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