Steinberg to Announce New Bill Language for Sales Tax Sharing Legislation 
PolicyLink to release an analysis on the Smart Growth Act of 2002 (AB 680), legislation by Assemblymember Darrell Steinberg

SACRAMENTO - After eight months of working diligently with cities and counties within the Sacramento region, Assemblymember Darrell Steinberg will announce a newly revised and improved version of the Smart Growth Act of 2002 (AB 680).

When: Tuesday, January 15, 1:30 p.m.
Where: State Capitol, Room 1190, Governor's Press Room

"The current system of sales tax distribution promotes endless competition between jurisdictions and encourages 'fiscalized' land use," said Steinberg. "The Sacramento region faces among the worst traffic congestion and air quality in the nation as well as a loss of open space. We have an opportunity, through AB 680, to begin mending a system that is based upon a bad policy."

Steinberg will be joined by Judith Bell, Vice-President of PolicyLink who will announce the release of, Building a Healthier Sacramento Region: An Analysis of Assembly Bill 680. Headquartered in Oakland , CA , PolicyLink is a national nonprofit, research, communications and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing policies to achieve economic and social equity.

"The Sacramento Region has an important opportunity to reshape its future growth. By creating a more rational and equitable sales tax distribution system, prioritizing regional investments in affordable housing and critical social services, and creating a pool of resources for responding to the region's needs, AB 680 offers a promising first step toward shifting the region toward a more livable, sustainable and equitable future." said Bell.
AB 680 is a comprehensive pilot program for the six-county Sacramento region. It does not affect any other city, county or region. AB 680 will be evaluated by the Legislative Analyst Office in 2010 to determine if it is successful.

Return to News Release Home