On Friday, September 23, 2022, at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Pacific
time), the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the
Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Broadband Data Task
Force will hold an overview of the ongoing Broadband Data
Collection process, which will be used to create an updated
broadband availability map. These forthcoming maps are
instrumental in determining the allocation of billions of dollars
in federal funds for broadband deployment from the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law.
Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed
AB 1951 (Grayson), which would have reduced county and city
revenues by more than $2 billion over five years by giving a full
sales tax exemptions for manufacturing equipment. This is
welcome news for CSAC and the broad coalition of local government
organizations that opposed this measure (veto
request).
The California Emerging Technology Fund is hosting its second Get
Connected California! Day on Saturday, October 22, 2022,
throughout California to expand access to eligible low-income
households. Information about the program and locations
(forthcoming) can be accessed at the Internet for All
Now website.
California’s legislative session came to a close in the early
morning hours this week with hundreds of bills now awaiting
action by Governor Gavin Newsom. The following provides an update
on major bills of interest for the Government, Finance, and
Administration policy area. CSAC staff will continue to monitor
and advocate for County priorities during the signing
period, which ends September 30, 2022.
Over its proposed five-year shelf life,
AB 1951 (Grayson) would reduce county and city revenues by a
combined $2 billion by exempting the local share of sales tax for
manufacturing companies that buy equipment. Manufacturing
equipment purchases are already exempt from the state share of
the sales tax, and they can get a full exemption through another
state program (CAEATFA) for equipment under certain conditions.
The California Emerging Technology Fund is hosting Get Connected
California! Day on Saturday, August 27, 2022,
throughout California to expand access to eligible low-income
households. Information about confirmed locations and the program
can be accessed at the Internet for All
Now website.
Broadband Grant Opportunity – Rural eConnectivity Program
The United States Department of Agriculture has announced that
beginning September 6, 2022, applications can be submitted for
the Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect) Program. Applications
will be accepted until November 2, 2022.
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System’s (CalPERS)
2021-22 fiscal year investment returns will impact employer
contribution rates for contracting counties, cities, and special
districts beginning in fiscal year 2024-25. On August 10, 2022,
CalPERS hosted a webinar to discuss the impact of its recently
announced negative 6.1 percent return on investment for
employers. A recording of this webinar is anticipated to be
posted on CalPERS’ website by the end of this week.
