3 Presentation - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City of San Leandro 2024 Federal Legislative Platform and Policy Guidelines Adopted by City Council: January 9, 2023 The City of San Leandro’s federal legislative agenda for 2023 is designed to reflect the adopted priorities and policy direction of the Mayor and City Council with direct input from the City Administration. This strategic agenda establishes a platform for advocating for legislation, regulations, and funding that is consistent with the City’s adopted priorities. Adoption of this document is designed to provide standing authority for the Mayor and members of the City Council, City staff, or the City’s legislative advocates to take action on pending federal legislative or regulatory matters on behalf of the City of San Leandro when time or other constraints preclude bringing such matters before the City Council in advance. Such actions could include issuing letters, expressing the City’s position in committee hearings, attending or scheduling meetings, or otherwise advocating for actions that are consistent with the policy language contained herein. This document is also designed to provide the public and the City’s advocates with a better understanding of the Mayor and City Council’s policy preferences regarding a variety of legislative and intergovernmental issues that might arise during the course of the year at the federal level. Summary of Federal Policy Issues for Advocacy or Monitoring: Affordable Care Act. Support efforts to expand health insurance coverage to the public and build upon key provisions of the Affordable Care Act that provide insurance coverage for at-risk populations. Support funding for Community Health Centers. Broadband Infrastructure. Support federal programs that facilitate the expansion of public and private access to broadband, recognizing it as critical infrastructure, and the protection of public wi-fi system integrity. Support protection of local land use authority over related infrastructure. Support network neutrality protections to ensure a level playing field among market competitors. Oppose actions that limit consumer protections or local control. Cannabis Regulation. Support the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation to modify the Schedule I status of cannabis at the federal level, including efforts that facilitate additional scientific research and study. Support efforts to protect public safety and facilitate effective regulation, including bills like the SAFE Banking Act, which would provide state- sanctioned businesses with banking access and protections at federally regulated financial institutions. Oppose federal actions that interfere with states’ rights to oversee a regulated market or restrict local control. Carbon Fee and Dividend. Support the exploration of innovative ways of addressing carbon emissions at the federal level, including proposals for a national carbon fee & dividend to assess fees at the sources of fossil fuel extraction or other activities that generate carbon emissions. Program revenues could be returned to American households in the form of a dividend, or otherwise reinvested into programs to benefit the environment or public health. Climate Emergency, Climate Change Mitigation, and Adaptation. Support federal actions and resources for communities to address the climate emergency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage, support long-term adaptation and resiliency and mitigate the immediate impacts such as wildfire smoke & heat waves. Oppose efforts to weaken environmental