Pub. 1 2019-2020 Issue 1

21 the Brown administration and another who does not. Ann O’Leary, a former top adviser to Hillary Clinton, will serve as Newsom’s chief of staff while Ana Matosantos, who worked as Director of Finance for Governors Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger, will be the cabinet secretary. Based on these early announcements, it is likely we will see a mix of new people and Brown administration veterans. Another uncertainty is in the new governor’s style of leadership. The common feeling by many in Sacramento was that during Jerry Brown’s second term as governor, his approach to solutions was pragmatic and cautious. People would often describe him as the “elder states- man” or the “adult in the room”. With Gavin Newsom now governor, the leadership style will undoubtedly change, but in what direction? Governor Newsom is smart, char- ismatic and a natural leader but whether he will narrowly focus on a few issues—as did Governor Brown—or will he attempt to tackle a broader array of policy changes? Expect the Legislature to test the new governor early and often with aggressive policy proposals to resurrect every failed or vetoed idea during Brown’s tenure. This includes our own franchise bill – AB 2107 (Reyes) – that Governor Brown vetoed at the last minute of the 2018 Legislative session. We can expect to see efforts to bring back labor-backed legislation on expanding paid sick leave, predictable scheduling for hourly workers and a focus on Cliff Costa, Director of Government Affairs for the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), has over 13+ years’ experience in advocacy, public policy and political campaigns. He served almost a decade in the California State Senate and State Assembly as Legislative Director and Legislative Aide to a number of different legislators representing Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. expanding protections against arbitration in employment contracts. With respect to the environment, continued efforts to promote zero-emission vehicles are a near cer- tainty plus the possibility of a renewed fight on feebates – charging gas powered vehicle owners a fee to fund rebates for zero emission vehicle owners – or a ban on the sale of gas vehicles. Despite the transition, Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Governor Newsom’s Air Resources Board appointment will continue fighting the Trump administration on CAFE standards. Dealers can expect another difficult year in the Legislature but we can continue to be successful if we focus on building and maintaining our relationships with all of our elected officials, regardless of party. The stron- gest power we have is working together, attending our annual lobbying day in Sacramento and making those critical contacts at key points in time. I hope to see you soon at Dealer Day on March 27 th . 3 RS18001-CarDealerAd-jy04-final3-outlines.indd 1 12/11/18 1:28 PM