FINAL DETAILS - Government Shut Down

Highlights:

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: Ends immediately, finances federal agencies through Jan. 15. Workers furloughed without pay when the shutdown began Oct. 1 receive back pay.

DEBT CEILING: Government’s authority to borrow money is extended until Feb. 7. No constraints on Treasury Department’s ability to move funds among accounts once debt limit is reached, thus extending the government’s ability to avoid default several weeks beyond Feb. 7 if needed. However, this is subject to a “resolution of disapproval” by Congress – a procedural exercise through which one or both chambers can express disapproval for a measure without actually blocking it.

HEALTH CARE LAW (ACA): Department of Health and Human Services must certify it can verify income eligibility of people applying for government subsidies for health insurance. By next July 1, the department’s inspector general must report on the agency’s safeguards for preventing fraud.

LONGER-RANGE BUDGET ISSUES: In accompanying agreement, House and Senate leaders will negotiate over issues such as budget deficits and spending levels. They must issue report by Dec. 13, but they are not required to come to agreement.

REIMBURSMENT OF STATE GOVERNMENT and other Grantees: The measure clarifies that the federal government will reimburse states and grantees for the costs that states incurred during execution of federal programs that would normally be paid by federal appropriations.  This authority applies to any period in fiscal year 2014 in which a lapse in appropriations has occurred

OTHER ITEMS IN THE BILL: No pay raise for Members of Congress in 2014; $636 million for firefighting for the Interior Department and the Forest Service; allows work to continue on Olmstead lock in the Ohio River between Kentucky and Illinois; lets Federal Highway Administration reimburse Colorado up to $450 million for flood-damaged roads, exceeding usual $100 million cap; extra $294 million for Department of Veterans Affairs to reduce backlogs of benefits claims; funds for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to continue work on two weather satellites; extends expired authority for Defense Department to support African forces hunting warlord Joseph Kony, leader of rebel group Lord’s Resistance Army.

Key Dates and Vote Tally

The bipartisan measure, which was approved on October 16 by both the Senate (81-18) and the House (285-144), funds the government through January 15, 2014, and suspends the debt limit through February 7, 2014

Government Shutdown Day 16 - Fiscal Deal Announced by Senate

Senate leaders Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell announced on the Senate floor that they have reached a deal to reopen the federal government, raise the debt ceiling, and hold bicameral budget negotiations.

 

The deal reached allows the federal government to reopen through Jan. 15 and lifts the debt ceiling through Feb. 7.

A conference would be created to negotiate a fiscal 2014 budget agreement, with directions to report a deal by Dec. 13 so Congress would have time to get it passed before the stopgap spending plan expires in mid-January. Dec 13^th is key to avoiding another potential shutdown when the proposed new continuing resolution expires Jan. 15, the same day that the next round of across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration is scheduled to take effect.

Treasury officials would still be allowed to use “extraordinary” measures to extend borrowing when the government approaches the debt limit in early February. As with previous deals, the debt limit would be lifted and the new one would encompass the amount of new borrowing that occurs in the meantime.

The deal, as it stands now,  would require greater steps to verify the incomes of individuals who apply for subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148, PL 111-152).

As of now, House Republicans are expected to meet at 3 pm today. The Senate is expected to vote early this evening.

If the House passes the deal first, it would allow the Senate to avoid at least one cloture vote to proceed when it arrives in that chamber. But it appeared that the Senate will be able to expedite passage of the deal under any circumstance after Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said he will not filibuster its consideration.

To be continued…

Governmetn Shutdown Day 15: Rapidly Evolving Plans Constantly Change

A lot of activity last night and this morning and continuing through the day….things are changing every hour.

In a nutshell here is the latest….but please keep in mind that this could change in a moment….

The LATEST - The House and Senate are engaging in dual-track negotiations today in search of a debt-ceiling deal. In the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican Senators  appeared close to a deal that would extend the debt ceiling for several months, as well as reopen the government with funding to last through the year's end.

But those talks have come to a halt —possibly temporary—after details leaked about a separate proposal from House Republicans, which would raise the debt ceiling but again included provisions modifying Obamacare.

Now, progress is shaky in the Senate, and the House plan is under siege: Reid declared it a nonstarter in the Senate, and there are questions about whether it could pass the House, as a number of the most conservative Republicans say Speaker John Boehner is giving away too much.

(Background- House Republican leaders announced earlier today that they would propose their own plan to reopen the government and extend the debt ceiling, rather than vote on a Senate proposal negotiated by Senate leaders Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell.

Like the emerging Senate proposal, the House Republican proposal was expected to fund the government until January 15 and extend the debt ceiling until February 7. However, the House Republican proposal is expected to make more changes to the Affordable Care Act than the Senate proposal, such as delaying the medical device tax. Sen. McConnell was scheduled to present the Reid-McConnell proposal to Senate Republicans this morning, but held off after House Republican leaders announced they would propose their own plan.

House Republican leaders were floating yet another plan to reopen the government and avert default.

According to Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., the latest plan would drop a demand to delay the medical device tax in Obamacare and drop a demand for income verification under Obamacare. Instead, Republicans would target the health benefits of both lawmakers and congressional staff, as well as political appointees.

This iteration of the plan would keep the government running until Dec. 15, instead of Jan. 15.

The latest changes came after the plan presented this morning by Speaker John A. Boehner was panned by many Republicans in his conference.

Republican leadership met in Boehner’s office Tuesday afternoon to discuss next steps, and a House GOP aide said that closed-door discussions were currently focused on two areas that could make the fiscal package more palatable to the rank and file — the so-called Vitter language targeting health benefits and changing the date on the CR.

The House Democratic leadership is at the White House now to discuss developments with the President.

Last night a “secret” meeting was held at a nearby neighborhood restaurant (named Tortilla Coast) led by Sen. Ted Cruz.  A number of conservative lawmakers confirmed they participated in the meeting  but they declined to offer details.  This group is now called the “Tortilla Coast Republicans” and have been opposed to a “clean” Continuing Resolution.

 

Some numbers for you --

15: Number of days of the government shutdown

17: Number of years since the last government shutdown
$1.4 billion: The cost of the 1995-96 government shutdown
$55 billion: Estimated cost to the economy of a 3-4 week shutdown, according to Moody’s Analytics
1.4 percentage points: Amount fourth quarter GDP could be reduced if government remains shut down for three or four weeks, according to Moody’s economist Mark Zandi
500,000: Estimated number of federal employees not working due to the government shutdown
$160 million: Cost to the economy per weekday from furloughed workers, according to HIS Inc.

More to come...

 

 

Govt. Shutdown Day 14: Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell Closing in on a Deal President Can Sign

The White House said it is postponing a meeting with congressional leaders slated for 3 p.m. as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell close in on a budget deal.

 

As background –

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) are in the process of negotiating a deal to extend the debt ceiling and end the government shutdown. Under this deal, Congress would pass a Continuing Resolution to fund the Federal government until mid-to-late December, and larger budget negotiations would take place on sequestration and other fiscal issues. The proposal could be presented to President Obama this afternoon during a meeting at the White House with members of the House and Senate leadership.

 

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he's "optimistic" that he and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will be able to reach a budget agreement this week.

"Constructive, good faith negotiations continue between the Republican leader and me," Reid said on the Senate floor. "I'm very optimistic that we will reach an agreement that's reasonable in nature this week to reopen the government, pay the nation's bills and begin long term negotiations to put our country on sound fiscal footing."

McConnell was also upbeat.

"I share his optimism that we're going to get a result that will be acceptable to both sides," McConnell said.

Govt Shutdown - Day 11 - Update as of Friday Morning October 11, 2013

Day 11--No Deal at White House, but Both Sides Will Keep Talking

 After the House GOP leadership met with the President yesterday negotiators worked to find a deal. A few noteworthy quotes sums up the result:

·        “He [President Obama] didn’t say yes, he didn’t say no. We’re going to continue negotiating this evening,” said House Budget Chairman Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., after the Thursday meeting with President Obama.

·       The Ryan plan did not include a CR, but House Armed Services Chairman Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-Calif., said adding one to the package is “one of the things we’re talking about.”

·         Appropriations Chairman Harold Rogers, R-Ky., indicated that the President said he wanted the government reopened. “What we’re trying to do is find a way to quickly settle the CR crisis so that we can pass a CR and stop the shutdown,” he said. 

·         Speaker John A. Boehner said in a statement, “No final decisions were made; however, it was a useful and productive conservation. The president and leaders agreed that communication should continue throughout the night.”

 At the same time GOP Senators, led by Appropriations member Susan Collins (R-Maine), worked on a package to reopen the federal government and raise the debt ceiling.  Items in the package could include:

 

Ø  raising the debt limit,

Ø  flexibility to deal with the sequestration during the next two years,

Ørepealing or delaying the 2.3 percent medical device tax under the ACA. The pay for would come from “pension smoothing,” a strategy that would allow private businesses to lower their pension contributions in the near future in exchange for higher payments down the line.

Ø  Income verification for those receiving benefits under the health care law.

Sens. John McCain and John Cornyn, R-Texas voiced support that they are hopeful the Collins solution will lead the way out of the fiscal mess.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are sticking to their position no negotiations until after the government is reopened and the debt ceiling is raised.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., filed cloture on the motion to proceed to a bill (S 1569) that would suspend the debt limit until Dec. 31, 2014, setting up a Saturday cloture vote.

The House was not originally scheduled to be session next week. Congressional leaders informed Members last night that they must stay in DC as the Oct 17th debt ceiling deadline draws closer.

 

To be continued .....

 

Government shutdown - Day 8 - update as of 10pm 10/8

Senate Democrats are proposing to suspend the federal debt limit until the end of 2014, Finance Chairman Max Baucus explained Tuesday.

Majority Leader Reid and Baucus are introducing legislation that suspends the debt limit, avoiding default. The bill mirrors legislation passed earlier this year and will suspend the debt limit until Dec. 31, 2014, after the mid-term elections.  The Senator stated that “On Jan. 1, 2015, a new debt limit is set which reflects whatever borrowing is done between passage of the bill and Dec. 31, 2014.”

The Senate’s expected to take a first procedural vote on the “clean” measure by week’s end.

 

And on the House side ----Speaker John Boehner rejected President Obama’s offer to negotiate a long-term fiscal deal in exchange for temporary measures to end the government shutdown and lift the debt ceiling.

 

The President said that if House Republicans re-opened the government and lifted the nation’s borrowing authority — even for a few months — he would enter into wide-ranging talks that could include the ACA and issues related to the debt.

Speaker Boehner opposed this plan.

 

The House voted to reopen the Head Start program in its 10th piecemeal funding measure, a strategy that the White House and Senate Democrats have rejected.

House Republicans moved forward on a separate package to pay federal employees deemed “essential” while forming a special, bicameral committee of 20 to hash out a long-term deficit-reduction plan that would include a budget and an increase in the debt ceiling.

 

The plan was announced to Republicans during a closed-door conference meeting Tuesday morning, and the Republican leadership brought it quickly to the floor for an evening vote.

The Republican plan would not include a timetable for striking an agreement, nor would it have triggered policy changes if a deal failed to materialize.

The White House issued a formal veto threat for the legislation late Tuesday afternoon.

 

 

During a shutdown, you CANNOT –   Get a new small business loan: Existing loans would be honored, but new applications would not be accepted. Go to the Smithsonian or National Zoo: About 90 percent of the museums' 6,400 workers will be furloughed, with all museums and the zoo to be closed. The animals will still get fed, but visitors won't be around to see that. Camp in a national park: All national parks -- from Yosemite to Acadia -- will close, and day visitors will have to leave immediately. (But longer-term campers already in parks will have two days to leave.) Visit a Civil War battlefield: Like national parks, historic battlefields will be closed. Visit the Capitol: While the Capitol will remain open for congressional matters, it will be closed to visitors. Check the legal work status of an employee: The E-Verify system allows employers across the country to check on immigration status, but it's a federal website, which means it would be shut down. Continue to be audited: The IRS will suspend audit activities. (They will begin again as soon as the government shutdown is over.)

Government Shutdown - Day 7 October 8th, 2013

Congress returned earlier this evening but did NOT consider a continuing resolution. 

There are also no formal talks taking place at this time between Rs and Ds.

Congressional Quarterly reports that House Democrats are trying to force Speaker John A. Boehner to hold a vote on a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government through a discharge petition, but Republicans say it will not work.

Democratic Reps. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, George Miller of California and Nita M. Lowey of New York introduced the discharge petition Oct. 4 and noted today that if the House remains in session members could start signing it Oct. 12.

But three Republicans who support a clean version of the House-passed continuing resolution (H J Res 59) say they will not sign the discharge petition, which needs 218 votes to force House action.

GOP Reps. Peter T. King of New York, Devin Nunes of California and Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania have all said they will not support the effort.

 “My hope is that we will be able to resolve this situation prior to October 14, which I believe would be the earliest you could deal with that discharge petition,” Dent added. “Although I believe you probably couldn’t deal with it until October 28th for all practical purposes.”

It was unclear how many in the GOP would actually sign the petition, but more than 20 moderate Republicans have been quietly discussing possible  support for a clean CR.

The GOP-led House has passed a number of narrowly-tailored stopgap spending bills that would restore funding for an assortment of federal government programs, including the National Institutes of Health and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

On the Senate side -  Senate Minority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX) stated that it would be “premature” to move on a standalone guarantee of back pay for federal workers without addressing other elements of the government shutdown.  (On Saturday the House unanimously passed a bill allowing for retroactive pay for furloughed federal employees.  This must also be approved by the Senate.)

Majority Leader Harry Reid is preparing to move ahead this week on legislation to raise the nation's debt ceiling and is expected to file a bill shortly on a "clean" debt-limit increase.

While some Congressional hearings are still scheduled for this week, a  number of House and Senate staff have been sent home because they are considered “non-essential” employees.   Many White House staffers have also not been allowed to return to work.  Federal workers are also not allowed to use their official work email and agency websites are not being updated.

Let’s Put The Used Mattress Recycling Legislation To Bed

SB 254 (Hancock/Correa) Press Conference Demonstrates Broad-Based Support
Contact: Shelly Sullivan
(916) 858-8686

Sacramento, CA – Earlier today California State Senators Loni Hancock (SD-9, Berkeley); Lou Correa (SD-34, Santa Ana); Ryan Trainer, President, International Sleep Products Association; Mark Murray, Californians Against Waste and others joined Californians for Mattress Recycling in a press conference discussing the merits of SB 254.
SB 254 establishes a pubic policy program for the management of used mattresses that will create an economical and practical system for recycling used mattresses, reduce the impact of illegally dumped mattresses, harness existing infrastructure for transporting used mattresses to recyclers, and minimize costs to both government and consumers.
International Sleep Products Association President, Ryan Trainer stated, "The valuable lesson to keep in mind is by keeping the common goal of wanting to create a comprehensive used mattress recycling program, we have been able to put differences aside, compromise and remain loyal to the intent of creating legislation that will meet the needs of consumers, the environment and business."
The intent of SB 254 is to create a used mattress recycling program that will keep old mattresses out of landfills, off highways, and out of vacant lots and alleys. The result provides Californians with a comprehensive mattress recycling solution that is consumer friendly and efficient. The SB 254 model is now very similar to existing successful recycling systems in California for paint and used carpet and similar to other 2013 used mattress recycling legislation signed into law in Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Enjoying a broad range of support many coalition partners were in attendance at the press conference such as representatives from the California Retailers Association, the California Apartment Association, CalChamber, and Blue Marble Materials, a mattress recycling facility.
SB 254 creates a non-profit mattress recycling organization whose duty would be to plan, implement and administer a state system to collect discarded used mattresses, dismantle them and recycle their materials for use in new products. The program will be sustained by collecting a nominal fee at retail on the sale of new mattresses and box-springs. The fee collected does not go into government coffers; rather, it is remitted directly to the NGO responsible for sustaining the mattress-recycling program.
Shelly Sullivan representing Californians for Mattress Recycling stated, "SB 254 is a fantastic illustration as to what is possible, it strikes a carefully considered balance that will increase used mattress recycling, reduce urban blight from illegally dumped mattresses, and cut local and municipal government costs, while at the same time financing the process in a sustainable and equitable manner."
SB 254 will now move to the Assembly Floor for approval.

　

　

Used Mattress Recycling Legislation Continues To Gain Support

August 13, 2013

CALIFORNIANS  FOR  MATTRESS  RECYCLING (http://www.ca4mattressrecycling.org/our-mission/)

Used Mattress Recycling Legislation Continues To Gain Support
SB 254 (Hancock/Correa) Approved in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee

Sacramento, CA — On Monday, August 12, 2013, California’s Assembly Natural Resources Committee approved SB 254 (Hancock/Correa) by a 7-0 bipartisan vote.

The intent of SB 254 is to create a used mattress recycling program that will keep old mattresses out of landfills, off highways, and out of vacant lots and alleys. Per the authors of the legislation, Senator Loni Hancock representing Berkeley and Senator Lou Correa representing Santa Ana, this type of legislation creates a win-win situation by furthering California’s overall recycling goals.

Specifically, SB 254 creates a used mattress recycling program that will have a dedicated funding mechanism, reduce the impact of illegally dumped mattresses, harness existing infrastructure for transporting used mattresses to recyclers, create jobs, and minimize costs to both government and consumers.

International Sleep Products Association President, Ryan Trainer stated, “We are very pleased with the progress SB 254 is making. All stakeholders continue to work together to help refine this legislation into a used mattress recycling policy that will benefit consumers, retailers, manufacturers, and the environment. We give a lot of credit to the authors of SB 254 along with our co-sponsors and coalition supporters; compromises have been made by all in order to move SB 254 forward.”

The result provides Californians with a comprehensive mattress recycling solution that is consumer friendly and efficient. The SB 254 model is very similar to existing successful recycling systems in California for paint and used carpet and similar to other 2013 used mattress recycling legislation signed into law in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

SB 254 enjoys a broad range of support from industry, retailers, cities and counties, local elected officials, and waste management organizations. It creates a non-profit mattress recycling organization whose duty would be to plan, implement and administer a state system to collect discarded used mattresses, dismantle them and recycle their materials for use in new products. The program will be sustained by collecting a nominal fee at retail on the sale of new mattresses and box-springs. The fee collected does not go into government coffers; rather, it is remitted directly to the NGO responsible for sustaining the mattress- recycling program.

Shelly Sullivan representing Californians for Mattress Recycling stated, “SB 254 is a fantastic illustration as to what is possible. It strikes a carefully considered balance that will increase used mattress recycling, reduce urban blight from illegally dumped mattresses, and cut local and municipal government costs, while at the same time financing the process in a sustainable and equitable manner.”

During the next few weeks, SB 254 will move to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and then on to the Assembly Floor for approval.

 

 

 

Californians for Mattress Recycling is an ad hoc group representing stakeholders united in their support for efficient and practical mattress recycling.

 

State's Used Mattress Problem is Nothing to Take Lying Down

By: Eric Slagle

Recycling in California has come a long way from hand-me-down clothes from our cousins or putting water bottles into the green bin. Californians now embrace the concept of recycling as it has become a way of life across our entire state.

 

Industries across every sector of the economy from beverage cans to construction debris have refined their processes and infrastructure to reduce waste and increase recycling wherever possible. Californians consumers, business leaders and elected officials alike are proud of their efforts to make our world more sustainable through recycling. But we can do more.

 

I have been in the business of making quality mattress for more than 25 years in Bakersfield. We are a family owned and operated business with deep ties to our community. And that is why we understand we must also be engaged in the process of what happens to our mattresses once they have served their intended purpose. At the end of their life cycle, millions of used mattresses are discarded each year across the United States, ending up in landfills where they can take up 23 cubic feet of space each. Mattresses both place a tremendous strain on our landfills and contribute to community blight when they are illegally dumped in our neighborhoods or along our highways.

 

Which is why Bakersfield residents should support SB 254, authored by Loni Hancock, D-Oakland, and Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana. SB 254 strikes a balance that incentivizes Californians to recycle used mattresses, eases the burden on our landfills and communities, and creates new jobs and business opportunities without harming valuable California employers already in business in the state.

 

In fact, in Kern County (and its 11 cities) we are fortunate to have a Recycling Market Development Zone. This is a state designation by CalRecycle to foster end use markets for recyclable materials. SB 254 and our RMDZ program will complement each other by improving the value of used mattress materials, which will make mattress recycling more efficient. Some of the specifics of SB 254 include making used mattress recycling safer and better. It creates a nonprofit mattress recycling organization whose duty will be to plan, implement and administer a state system to collect discarded used mattresses, dismantle them and recycle their materials for use in new products. The organization will fund the system by collecting a nominal fee at retail on the sale of new mattresses and box springs. Many states follow a similar approach for recycling other consumer products, including tires, batteries, motor oil, electronics, paint and carpet.

 

Another critical component of SB 254 is that it will address the problem of illegal mattress dumping. SB 254 creates a financial incentive to encourage parties (including retailers that pick up used mattresses from consumers, municipal transfer stations, and groups that pick up illegally dumped mattresses) to send used mattresses to mattress recyclers. The organization's activities will be transparent, open to public input and subject to annual performance and financial audits that will be published on its website. Further, the state's oversight authority will confirm whether the organization has met its statutory obligations.

 

Sponsored by the International Sleep Products Association and Californians Against Waste, SB 254 enjoys a broad range of support from groups such as retailers, cities and counties, local elected officials and waste management organizations.

 

The need for SB 254 is strengthened by a 2012 case study by University of California at Santa Barbara researchers that found that 4.6 million mattresses and box springs are sold annually in California and 4.2 million mattresses/box springs reach the end of their life span annually. The study showed that 85 percent of the units can be recycled and an estimated 1,000 jobs can be generated annually in mattress recycling.

 

The Assembly's Committee on Natural Resources will hold a hearing on the bill on Aug. 12. I have confidence in the authors and sponsors of SB 254 that they will continue to work on SB 254 and put into place a program with a solid foundation that is realistic and achievable. SB 254 is not only about good environmental policy. It's also about good business.

Eric Slagle of Bakersfield is president of Slagle's Mattress Factory Inc.

Alternative Tolling Technologies: Infrastructure Free Hot Lanes

Alternative Tolling Technologies

SB 242 (Wyland)

SUMMARY

Authorizes Caltrans and local transportation agencies to conduct pilot projects of automated tolling technologies as an alternative to existing radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology for a period of 4 years.

BACKGROUND

Current law requires the Department of Transportation, in cooperation with all known entities planning to implement a toll facility, to comply with specifications and standards for an automatic vehicle identification system and toll tags.

Specifically, the California Code of Regulations and corresponding code section requires automatic vehicle identification system specs that only authorizes the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to be used for tolling technology. Furthermore, current law provides that tolling technology must conform to specific interoperability standards.

These regulations have not been updated in two decades, while RFID tolling technology has been around since the 1970s. This has limited tolling options from the use of new and advanced technologies. Recent tolling technological advances utilize infrastructure free technology such as GPS or the existing cellular network, eliminating the need for large gantries needed for RFID tolling technology.

Such alternatives to RFID tolling technology may provide for lower cost tolling infrastructure, lower related operating costs, as well as more rapid deployment and roll out of regional high occupancy toll (HOT) lane networks.

Encouraging alternatives to existing RFID tolling technology, such as infrastructure free technology, has the potential to save millions of dollars in infrastructure costs and accelerating toll revenues that can be reinvested back into needed transportation infrastructure.

　

BILL DETAILS

This bill would allow local and regional transportation agencies and Caltrans to conduct pilot projects on existing HOV lanes utilizing alternative tolling technologies that may or may not meet interoperability standards mandated under current law.

SB 242 provides such alternative tolling technology pilot projects throughout the state for a period of four years. Within four years of commencing the pilot project, a summary report that discusses the effectiveness of the technology, market performance, congestion management, safety, and implementation challenges and opportunities must be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature.

An agency may only conduct a pilot project if it does not cause the reduction in federal aid highway funds.

California Mattress Recycling Bill, SB 254, Moves Forward On A Bi-Partisan Vote

 

CALIFORNIA USED MATTRESS RECYCLING

LEGISLATION APPROVED BY CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE

SB 254 (Hancock/Correa) Now Moves To The Assembly

Sacramento, CA -- On Wednesday, May 29, 2013, California’s State Senate SB 254 (Hancock/Correa) was approved on the Senate Floor vote by a 32-5 bipartisan vote. 

SB 254 creates a used mattress recycling program that will have a dedicated funding mechanism, reduce the impact of illegally dumped mattresses, harness existing infrastructure for transporting used mattresses to recyclers, create jobs, and minimize costs to both government and consumers.

International Sleep Products Association President, Ryan Trainer commented, “We are very pleased Members of the California State Senate recognized the importance and value of SB 254.  Since its inception, all stakeholders have been diligently working to craft sound used mattress recycling policy that will benefit consumers, retailers, manufacturers, and the environment.”

The result provides Californians with a comprehensive mattress recycling solution that is consumer friendly and efficient.  The SB 254 model is now very similar to existing successful recycling systems in California for paint and used carpet. 

SB 254 enjoys a broad range of support from industry, retailers, cities and counties, local elected officials, and waste management organizations.  It creates a non-profit mattress recycling organization whose duty would be to plan, implement and administer a state system to collect discarded used mattresses, dismantle them and recycle their materials for use in new products. The program will be sustained by collecting a nominal fee at retail on the sale of new mattresses and box-springs.  The fee collected does not go into government coffers; rather, it is remitted directly to the NGO responsible for sustaining the mattress-recycling program. 

Shelly Sullivan representing Californians for Mattress Recycling stated, “SB 254 (Hancock/Correa) simply puts a price on used mattresses akin to California’s bottle and can recycling program.  It’s good common sense that ensures Californians can continue their overall enthusiasm in improving their recycling practices.”

 SB 254 (Hancock-Correa) now moves to the Assembly for Committee hearings and a floor vote.

 

 Contact: Shelly Sullivan

  (916) 858-8686

oOo

GOOD NEWS / BAD NEWS: Google will manufacture its newest phone the "Moto X" in the USA but California loses 2,000 high paying manufacturing jobs to Texas. California 's high tax, high regulatory burden and high cost of housing simply made it impossible for Google to seriously consider siting those coveted jobs here in the Golden state.         


May 30, 2013
Walter Russell Mead's Blog

Google’s New Phone: Made in the USA

Motorola Mobility, the phonemaker Google purchased last year, announced yesterday that it will manufacture its newest phone, the Moto X, in the United States (just outside of Fort Worth, Texas). Motorola Mobility CEO Dennis Woodside teased the new smartphone at the D11 conference, but the made-in-America buzz trumped the latest and greatest features it’s purported to have. The NYT reports:

Dennis Woodside, the head of Motorola, said…that the Texas location would allow Motorola to “iterate and innovate much faster.”
Mr. Woodside acknowledged that while the Moto X will be built in the United States, not all of its parts would necessarily come from American manufacturers.
“The components will come all over the world,” he said. Display parts will be built in South Korea, for example, and processors will be made in Taiwan, he said.

Woodside estimated that the Texas plant would employ roughly 2,000 Americans. That’s nothing to shake a stick at, but nor is it as exciting as some are making it out to be. The phone’s parts will still be made outside of the US; the Fort Worth plant will just be putting these parts together. And a few thousand jobs here and there are hardly a sign that the Fordist era of American manufacturing is making a comeback.
So why is Google making such a big deal about this? First, because the made-in-America tag is great PR, and tech companies like Google and Amazon are increasingly seeing the value in aligning themselves with the preferences and causes of the American political class.
A couple of years ago, when President Obama asked Steve Jobs whether Apple could make its products in the US rather than China, he famously replied that “those jobs aren’t coming back.” Today’s tech giants seem much less cavalier about delivering such dour news to Washington. Issues of intellectual property rights and instances of state-backed hacking of American companies have become big problems for Silicon Valley. Tech CEOs have re-discovered the benefits of cozying up to Uncle Sam for warmth in a cold, harsh world.
We’re happy that Texas will pick up a couple of thousand jobs courtesy of Google, but this doesn’t mean mass manufacturing employment is coming back.

Mattress Recycling Bill (Hancock-Correa) SB 254 Q&A

Mattress Recycling Bill – SB 254 (Hancock-Correa)

Mattress Recycling Done Right

Californians for Mattress Recycling (C4MR) supports legislation to establish a mattress recycling system in California. The primary goals of this plan are to:

 

Ø  Create an economically practical system for recycling used mattresses;

Ø  Reduce the impact of illegally dumped mattresses;

Ø  Harness existing infrastructure for getting used mattresses to recyclers;

Ø  Minimize cost to governments and consumers.

If enacted, this would be the first law of its kind in the country and would provide a model for other states to follow. The proposed law would accomplish the following:

·         Create a non-profit mattress recycling organization made up of retailers and manufacturers whose duty would be to plan, implement and administer a state system to collect discarded used mattresses, dismantle them and recycle their materials for use in new products. 

·         The organization would fund the system by collecting a nominal fee at retail on the sale of new mattresses and box-springs.  The fee collected does NOT go into government coffers; rather, it is remitted directly to the NGO responsible for the mattress recycling program.  Many states follow a similar approach for other consumer products, including tires, batteries, motor oil, electronic devices, paint and carpet.

·         The organization will create a financial incentive to encourage parties (reimburse retailers that pick up used mattresses from consumers, municipal transfer stations, and groups that pick up illegally dumped mattresses) to send used mattresses to mattress recyclers. 

·         The organization would essentially eliminate the problem of illegal mattress dumping through the establishment of the financial incentive.

·         The system would  take advantage of the fact that most retailers already pick up used mattresses as part of their service to their customers.

·         The organization would develop reimbursement criteria for retailers to recover their administrative costs associated with program participation.

·         The organization will increase recycling rates, improve consumer awareness of, and participation in the system, and conduct research to improve recycling efficiency and demand for recycled materials.

·         The organization’s activities will be transparent and open to public input and subject to annual performance and financial audits that would be published on its website.

·         The state’s oversight authority would confirm whether the organization has met its statutory obligations.

 

Californians for Mattress Recycling is an ad hoc group representing stakeholders united in their support for efficient and practical mattress recycling.  For more information contact Shelly Sullivan at (916) 858-8686 or go to: http://www.ca4mattressrecycling.org

Automated Enforcement Saves Lives - AB 666 (Red Light Camera Reform)

Red Light Camera Reform – AB 666

Why it’s essential for safer streets

 

California law is clear and the data indisputable: red means stop and red light cameras save lives.  A 2011 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found red light cameras led to:

 

·         62% reduction in fatal red light running crashes in San Diego

·         53% reduction in fatal red light running crashes in Sacramento

·         44% reduction in fatal red light running crashes in Santa Ana

·         34% reduction in fatal red light running crashes in Long Beach

 

Last year, the General Assembly took the first steps toward reforming the red light camera program. Now, we need take these efforts further to ensure we have a program that builds on this success and ensures those who break the law and run red lights are held accountable.

 

Legislation introduced in 2013 keeps the state’s traffic safety camera programs focused on safety, establishes a reasonable fine structure and reduces the burden on the state’s court system to ensure scofflaws do not get away with breaking the law and those who wish to contest a red light ticket can easily do so. The result will be the preservation of a critical life-saving law enforcement tool and safer roads for all California road users.

 

Problem

Excessive fines have made California’s red light camera penalty the highest in the country. The fine for running a red light in California is $140. But too many additional fees have been added over the years which have very little to do with the administration of a traffic ticket, which has left motorists with inflated fines close to $500.

 

Proposed Solution – AB 666

To lower fees and restore confidence in the red light camera program’s public safety goals, citations should be administered at the municipal level to reduce court-related fees, decreasing out-of-pocket fines to 50% to 60% of the current amount, while ensuring a substantial fee is in place to deter dangerous red light running.

Problem

Overburdened courts California processes all moving violations as criminal violations. This means all citations must be processed by the courts. 

 

Proposed Solution – AB 666 

To operate an efficient, effective red light camera program that deters dangerous driving and improves road safety, many states impose an administrative penalty - not a criminal violation. Through this process, appeals are processed administratively, freeing the court for other obligations

Problem

Drivers often evade citation. California law only allows identified drivers to be cited. Because of this, many car owners and drivers have found ways to make identification difficult or impossible and avoid citation.

  

 Proposed Solution – AB 666

To ensure scofflaws are held responsible for dangerous driving, the vehicle owner must take responsibility for the citation and pay the civil fine, but no points would be imposed against the vehicle owner if he or she is not the driver. Points will only be imposed on the vehicle owner when he or she is identified by the camera as the driver. Californians can be assured red light cameras are acting as an effective public safety tool.

 

Traffic Safety Coalition

www.TrafficSafetyCoalition.com || info@trafficsafetycoalition.com