Legislation TALC Supports or Opposes
If you would like TALC to support or oppose a bill, please read the TALC Legislative Endorsement Process, and then complete the endorsement form.
Federal Bills
TALC is supporting the following federal bills:
- S 309 (Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act)
- HR 5951 (Federal Complete Streets)
State Bills
TALC is supporting the following state bills:
- AB 444 (Motor Vehicle Registration Fees)
- AB 1221 (Tax Increment Financing for Transit Villages)
- AB 1358 (Complete Streets)
- AB 2971 (Bike Pedestrian Developer Fees))
- AB 3034 (Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century)
- SB 375 (Transportation planning: travel demand models)
- SB 1419 (Safety Double Fine Zone on 19th Avenue)
State Propositions and Ballot Measures
TALC has taken positions on the following propositions and ballot measures.
Support Proposition 1A on the November 2008 ballot
Prop 1A, on California's November 2008 ballot, would provide $9.95 billion dollars to catalyze the development of the 800 mile High-Speed Rail (HSR) system, and make improvements to existing rail networks. High-Speed Rail would provide a world class transportation option that can focus growth around existing downtowns, link with and support local transit systems, and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. At a fraction of the cost of highway and airport alternatives, high-speed rail is a great investment in California's transportation infrastructure.
Read more about TALC's support of Prop 1A.
Support Measure Q on the November 2008 ballot in Sonoma and Marin counties
Measure Q, on the November 2008 ballot in Sonoma and Marin counties, would enact a 20-year ¼-cent sales tax to help fund the proposed SMART rail and trail project. The SMART project would build a 70-mile commuter train on existing rail right-of-way between Cloverdale in Sonoma County to the Larkspur ferry in Marin County, with 14 rail stations, several passing sidings, a rail maintenance facility and shuttle service at select locations. The project also includes a 70-mile multi-use trail within/adjacent to the rail corridor, with a combination of Class I and Class II facilities. To pass, Measure Q must be approved by 2/3 of the voters in the SMART district, which encompasses Marin and Sonoma counties.
More information: www.smarttrain2008.org
Oppose Measure KK on the November 2008 ballot in Berkeley
Measure KK, on the November 2008 ballot in Berkeley, would require voter approval for transit-only and commuter/bus-only lanes. Currently Berkeley has an extensive process of developing comprehensive plans for the creation of transit, HOV, or Bus-only lanes, and Environmental Impact Reports and other studies. Measure KK would mandate that in addition to these processes, any project that would involve dedicating a street lane for the use of commuter or bus travel would have to go to a vote of the people before the City could proceed with the project. Measure KK is threatens to subvert the democratic process; the ongoing work and expertise of City Commissioners and the many public hearings held on transit issues would be irrelevant. The long, duplicative planning effort and the vote called for in Measure KK would require costly delays, wasteful expenditures of public funds, and jeopardize opportunities to secure outside funding for projects. The proposal is a roadblock to implementing Berkeley's General Plan goals and policies relating to alternatives to the automobile.
More on Measure KK: www.noonmeasurekk.com and City of Berkeley site
Support Measure VV on the November 2008 ballot in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties
Measure VV, on the November 2008 ballot in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, would extend the existing (Measure BB) $4 per month parcel tax and add an additional $4 per month per parcel. This revenue is sorely needed if AC Transit is going to continue its service without major fare hikes, particularly as fuel prices and the demand for bus service increase and as state funding for public transportation continues to be raided. If the tax is approved by voters in November it would sunset in 10 years (2018). The tax would only apply to the areas of Alameda and Contra Costa counties where AC Transit provides service. The increase would bring the total cost per parcel to less than $100/year for each property owner.
More on Measure VV: www.urbanhabitat.org/uh/tj/measurevv
Support Measure WW on the November 2008 ballot in Alameda and Contra Costa counties
Measure WW is a 20 year extension of the existing Measure AA, which was approved by voters in 1988. Measure AA is a fee on property of less than $10 per $100K of assessed value. Over its 20 year life, AA has funded the acquisition of 34,000 acres of land (creating 17 new regional parks and recreation facilities), added over 100 miles of trails, and provided $60 million for 235 neighborhood recreation projects. If approved by the voters, Measure WW will will generate an additional $500 million for additional acquisitions and infrastructure projects in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties -- without raising anyone's taxes. With Alameda and Contra Costa Counties' populations continuing to grow, land preservation must keep pace with development. Open spaces for wildlife and other natural resources as well as lands for the active and passive recreational pursuits are necessary in order to maintain the quality of life for future generations.
See the campaign site at www.yesforparks.org for a complete project list.
