By TR Robertson
The June meeting of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs meeting heard from Congressman Mike Levin and Jennings Imel concerning Infrastructure Proposals both from a federal level and in relation to local projects.
The first speaker was Congressman Levin. He began with an update on the COVID vaccine recovery program. He said the hope is that 70% of the citizens will become vaccinated. Concerning economic recovery, along with a focus on business recovery, another group dealt with are our veterans. The Congressman is the Vice Chair of the Veterans Recovery Committee. In looking at infrastructure proposals Carlsbad Unified has received $7 million for ventilation at schools and other COVID related issues. The City of Carlsbad has received $12 million and over $28.6 billion has been provided for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. There is a Paycheck protection program currently available. Relating to physical infrastructure there is a clean energy revolution underway across the county. The Congressman supports the ban on offshore drilling in Southern California. The current bills in the Senate and Congress concerning offshore drilling have not passed. The U.S. currently is 13th in the world in dealing with infrastructure. Listed were several proposals underway dealing with rail, streets, highways, bluff repair, the Tijuana River clean-up, and nuclear waste disposal.
School Board member Kathy Rallings, asked about school infrastructure working with state and federal projects with matching funds. She said the Carlsbad schools are adding solar panels to all schools and installing proper ventilation for the schools. One comment referred to the extension of Federal Unemployment supplements is hampering reopening, especially in the restaurant industry.
Jennings Imel from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce discussed a variety of proposals and legislation being considered for businesses and ones that have been implemented. He noted the dealing with environmental issues are challenging at all levels.
Katie Scanlon, Regulatory Policy Manager for SDG&E, presented a power point concerning Net Energy Metering Reform (NEM) and Stopping Unfair Cost Shift and Making Solar Sustainable. She said 15% of the current customers have adapted rooftop solar. The reason for the reform proposals is based on the cost of energy increasing to non-solar customers. There are currently a variety of programs solar users no longer pay into that are covered by non-solar customers. SDG&E is proposing stopping bill increases related to NEM, providing transitional subsidy for lower-income customers, encouraging the adoption of solar and storage and providing a reasonable payback horizon in line with other states.
Legislative Updates
Catherine Magana, with the Carlsbad Chamber, listed a few bills that were opposed – AB 616, AB 650, SB 62, SB 213, SB 606, AB 1003 known as Job Killer bills.
Jason Haber from the City of Carlsbad – The City of Carlsbad is on track for a June 15th re-opening. At the next City Council meeting a draft proposal for the city budget will be presented. Applications are now available for anyone interested in being on an independent redistricting commission. There will also be Town Halls on dealing with various homeless issues
Kristal Jabara from Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Office – It is budget season and hearings will soon begin. COVID stimulus dollars are being requested – $20 million for food distribution, $30 million for mental health issues, $20 million for rental assistance, $10 million for youth sports fee waivers, $1.5 million for mentorship programs, $40 million for local business supports, $10 million for North County homeless issues, $20 million in grants to businesses for signing bonuses, $40 million for infrastructure programs, $15 million for legal services for landlords, $40 million for assistance for first responders and military and $20 million for youth camp fees. The Supervisor announced there are discounts for the Dine-in & Help-out program. A grant program began last month of the prevention of drowning program. Also extended is the outdoor dining program.
Matthew Phy from Senator Patricia Bates Office said the budget deadline of June 16th is approaching. He also reminded everyone that the Senator’s office is willing to help anyone who is having difficulty with any agency.
Kyle Krahel-Frolander from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office said the Veterans Job Training and Benefits bill has passed along with economic benefits.
Bret Schanzenbach, CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, announced various committee meetings will be dark in July and there is an expected return in August to in-person meetings along with Zoom options. The Chamber recently received a Presidential Award from Cal Chamber.
