ATSSA Signal Nov/Dec 2018

American Traffic Safety Services Association 6 Government Relations ATSSA scores a win in California CAL-ATSSA chapter works to defeat Prop 6, saving roadway infrastructure funding Members of the CAL-ATSSA chapter and ATSSA’s Government Relations team worked together to fight the repeal of a California state gas tax bill that increased funding for roadway infrastructuremain- tenance and repair. Senate Bill 1 (SB1), also known as the “Road Repair and Accountability Act,” was introduced by State Sen. JimBeall (D-Cal.) and passed in the spring of 2017. SB1 took effect in November 2017 and au- thorized an increased gasoline and die- sel tax, a transportation investment fee, and a fee on zero emission vehicles. The goal of the legislation is to generate approximately $5 billion annually in new revenue, which would pay for mainte- nance and repair of California’s road- ways, bridges, and related infrastruc- ture. Following the bill’s passage and enactment, a repeal measure—known as Proposition 6 (Prop 6)—was placed on the state ballot for November 2018. The CAL-ATSSA Chapter hosted an ad- vocacy day in 2017 to support SB1, and in January 2018 developed information to equip CAL-ATSSA members with re- sources needed to get the word out on the benefits of the legislation. In response to Prop 6, CAL-ATSSA members joined the Coalition to Protect Local Transpor- tation Improvements, a campaign effort known as “No on Prop 6.” Chapter mem- bers joined a “No on Prop 6” speakers bureau, which allowed for opportunities to speak with local groups about the re- peal effort, as well as provide quotes for news articles in support of SB1, accord- ing to ATSSA’s Director of State Govern- ment Relations Ashley Wieland. “The passage of SB1 last year was a ma- jor win for our industry, so we must do what’s necessary to protect these new transportation funds. If SB1 were to be repealed in November, it could set a negative precedent for other states who have recently raised or want to raise their state gas tax,” said CAL-ATSSA Pres- ident WilliamKearny in an Aug. 27 ATSSA blog post. “Being a part of this coalition gives ATSSA and our member compa- nies a larger, more unified voice to com- bat the repeal of SB1.” “The ATSSA state government relations program provides its members an op- portunity to engage with state law mak- ers on issues that matter to them. CAL-ATSSA’s engagement on SB1 over the past year is a perfect example of how the program can provide a platform for an ATSSA chapter to make its voice heard and participate in the lawmaking process,” said Wieland. To learnmore about ATSSA’s advocacy efforts visit www.atssa.com/GovernmentRelations. Members of the CAL-ATSSA chapter have been very active in advocating against Proposition 6, a ballot measure that would have appealed crucial roadway safety infra- structure funding. The chapter participated in a state advocacy day in 2017 for SB1, legislation that provided important funding that Prop 6 would have repealed.