Southern California Delegates Blanket the Capitol to Advocate for Action on Critical Issues

by Gary Toebben

At this moment, more than 180 leaders from business, government and nonprofits are making their way through the halls of our Capitol as part of ACCESS Washington D.C. 2015. ACCESS D.C. is our region’s largest, annual lobbying trip, sponsored by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and 12 other business organizations.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez and Congressman John Duncan (R-TN) were our keynote speakers at breakfast this morning. They shared critical insights on transportation policy, trade issues and the importance of our port complex. We also heard from Philip Peterson from Ready Nation on the need for engagement in support of early childhood education.

A White House briefing followed, featuring U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. They discussed successes of recent years including 3.3 million jobs in the United States over the last year. The administration officials further delved into President Obama's policies on community college for all, an intelligent approach to trade that will lower tariffs and raise environmental and safety standards across the globe, and tackling comprehensive business tax reform. These are just a few of the many topics touched upon in this discussion led expertly by Mayor Eric Garcetti.

Tomorrow, the delegation will hear from Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) during our breakfast keynote and meet with Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) to discuss transportation, water, international trade and immigration reform. In team meetings throughout the three-day visit our delegation members have met or will meet with Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and many other legislators and agency leaders.

Our teams of delegates blanket the Capitol to advocate for Congressional action on issues critical to L.A. County like transportation funding, immigration reform, the European Union and Pacific trade agreements, intellectual property rights, housing for homeless veterans, renewable energy and clean technology, health care reliability and capacity, the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and federal support for early childhood, elementary, secondary and higher education. Click here to view the full Advocacy agenda. 

I personally want to thank all our delegates for their investment of time and financial resources in ACCESS Washington, D.C. Your voices are strong and passionate, and everyone in L.A. County will benefit from your leadership and representation.

And that's The Business Perspective.