COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager's Office

DATE:

January 7, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

January 14, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

John Maltbie, County Manager

SUBJECT:

County Manager's Report #1-2003-2004 Legislative Session Program for San Mateo County

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution approving the 2003-2004 Legislative Session Program for San Mateo County.

Background

The 2003-2004 Legislative Session Program (Legislative Program) articulates San Mateo County's goals and objectives as they relate to the 2003-2004 legislative session, which began on January 6. The proposals, priorities and policies in combination with other positions adopted by the Board of Supervisors will guide the County's legislative advocacy efforts. The Legislative Committee in coordination with County staff, departments and the County's Sacramento consultant developed the Legislative Program.

Discussion

The Legislative Program is divided into three general categories (proposals, priorities and policies). Legislative proposals are those ideas and issues, for which the County will pursue legislation. Priorities are those areas of concern that warrant heightened attention and advocacy. Policies are those positions on issues that are either non-controversial or that the County has taken in the past.

While the 2003-2004 Legislative Program includes seven legislative proposals including two budget requests, the emphasis for the first year of the state legislative session likely will surround the state budget. With the exception of the two budget requests (Mirada Surf and Crime Lab Construction), the proposals are fiscally neutral.

Protecting County funding and operations will likely dominate the efforts of County staff and the Sacramento consultant. The Legislative Program priorities focus on funding for various activities such as Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) program and various grants. However, Program priorities also include support for financial information privacy and classification of family support bench warrants.

Vision Alignment

While the issues included in the Legislative Program relate to various Visioning Commitments and Goals, the Legislative Program as a whole furthers the County's commitment for responsive, effective and collaborative government and supports Goals #20 and 22, to effectively communicate, collaborate and develop strategic approaches to issues affecting the entire County.

Fiscal Impact

While the outcome of the 2003-2004 Legislative session could have significant fiscal impact, adoption and implementation of the Legislative Program can be accommodated with current staff and resources.