Success in D.C. Moves Los Angeles Forward

by Gary Toebben

Last week, 175 leaders with a ticket to D.C., representing business, government and nonprofit organizations, let their voices be heard by advocating for Los Angeles and Southern California. They attended 80 meetings on your behalf with members of Congress, Cabinet Secretaries and White House staff.

Both advocacy days were kicked off on the right note with remarks by Sen. Dianne Feinstein and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy. Sen. Feinstein detailed her efforts on manufacturing assistance and streamlining regulation with regard to transportation projects. As chair of the Intelligence Committee, she also gave the delegation insight into current events in the Middle East. Rep. McCarthy spoke about small business as the foundation of America and biggest opportunity for future growth.

Transportation reauthorization was a top priority and the ACCESS Washington, D.C. delegates encouraged both houses of Congress to pass this bill prior to its expiration date of March 31. The delegation stressed the importance of this legislation and how America Fast Forward will save millions of hours in reduced congestion and create thousands of new jobs in Los Angeles County by enabling the transportation projects we funded in Measure R to be constructed in 10 years rather than 30. 

The full Senate continued debate on its transportation bill today and we urged members of the House to take up the Senate bill if it passes. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood voiced his appreciation to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the delegation for their leadership and persistence. Sen. Barbara Boxer, the chief author of the Senate bill, personally thanked the delegation for its outreach to Republicans and Democrats in both houses.

The importance of travel and tourism to our region was also on our agenda. Michael Huerta, acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, pledged his agencies’ cooperation with the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners when the results of the Specific Plan Amendments for the North Airfield are released this summer. We thanked Kevin McAleenan, acting commissioner, Customs and Border Protection, for the 20 new agents recently assigned to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the agency’s plan to respond to the additional need once the new wing of the Bradley Terminal is completed.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson emphasized the important leadership role that business and government in Los Angeles must play if he is to achieve his three main goals: growing manufacturing jobs, increasing exports and encouraging direct foreign investments. He voiced his support for protecting intellectual property rights and reducing the time it takes to authorize visas for travelers to the United States. 

U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu thanked the energy & environment team for its efforts to invest in solar and other forms of renewable energy. He encouraged business to work closely with local utilities to explore more creative options for developing diverse energy supplies. Team members found common ground with Republicans on the Energy & Commerce Committee who appreciated the commitment to growing domestic energy. 

The education teams received strong interest from Sen. Feinstein in the introduction of federal legislation on Linked Learning to reduce the number of high school dropouts. Two White House staff members, John Carson, director of the Office of Civic Engagement and Roberto Rodriguez, special assistant on education to President Barack Obama were impressed with the level of business and civic engagement in workforce development and education reform through initiatives like the L.A. Compact and HIRE-LA's Youth, and offered to assist in leveraging federal resources.

The health care team discussed the Affordable Care Act with Rep. Xavier Becerra and the immediate importance protecting Medicare and Medicaid funding and realigning payment policies. They also encouraged that federal regulations align interests and incentives among consumers, payers, providers and businesses. 

Small Business Administrator Karen Mills expressed strong support for cluster development to foster small business growth and encouraged the Chamber to explore SBIC financing. She was impressed with efforts in Los Angeles to build the cleantech industry and the early success of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator.

Home For Good — the Chamber’s partnership with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles to end chronic and veteran homelessness met with Dr. Susan Angell, executive director for homeless initiatives for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and with Sandra Henriquez, assistant secretary of Public and Indian Housing for the Department of U.S. Housing and Urban Development. Both Henriquez and Angell commended our work in Los Angeles. As a result they have committed more resources through housing vouchers and by working with local service providers.

Each year the ACCESS Washington, D.C. delegation arrives on the hill to advocate for a better Los Angeles. Growing business, improving transportation, investment in renewable energy, facilitating more robust trade and commerce through improvements at LAX and the Port, fighting for the future of our children with improvements in education and workforce development, or helping a single veteran move off of the street — we know that linking arms around these issues will not only create jobs, but improve the quality of life for all Angelenos.

And that's The Business Perspective.