State Government Relations

Press release

While the Best Offense is a Good Defense, We Often Support Measures Too
by Kevin Gould, SVP/Director of Government Relations

Unfortunately, we often find ourselves writing about legislation that we oppose. This time, we are pleased to share an update on a few measures that we are proud to support. While regrettably much of our attention focuses on opposing measures that result in unintended negative consequences that frustrate our ability to support our customers and the communities we serve, or that create new compliance burdens and legal liability, we commonly do support measures that are good public policy.

Press release

Recent Labor Laws in California: What Bankers Need to Know
by Melanie Cuevas, VP of Government Relations

Each year California enacts about a thousand new laws with impacts that run the gamut and largely reflect the liberal viewpoint of the Legislature’s democratic supermajority. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the legislative process in 2020, California lawmakers tackled numerous issues related to human resources that will have longstanding impacts on California workplaces for years to come – diversity on boards of directors, protected and paid leave benefits, reporting of pay data, and workplace protections for victims of domestic violence.

Press release

Legislative Sessions Underway in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento
by Kevin Gould, SVP/Director of Government Relations

At the federal level, Congress is in and we are seeing the re-introduction of several measures from the prior Congressional session that are impactful to the banking industry. One important factor that distinguishes this session compared to the prior is that Democrats have taken control of the Senate while maintaining a narrower margin in the House of Representatives. This could have implications on measures important to our industry. 

Press release

CBA Responds to AB 1177, the California Public Banking Option Act

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association (CBA), issued the following statement in response to today’s press conference supporting AB 1177:

“Here we go again with the annual introduction of yet another bill seeking to introduce public banking to California. Despite voter rejection of the idea at the polls and public opinion polling indicating Californians’ opposition to the concept, advocates are nonetheless back pushing an idea with limited support.

Press release

California Banks & COVID Relief Efforts

Since the beginning of this pandemic, California’s banks have been outreaching and working proactively with customers to minimize the adverse financial effects of this crisis. Beyond the proactive efforts by individual banks and the work they have been doing to implement and deploy relief made available through state and federal programs, we continue to encourage customers experiencing hardships to reach out early and immediately to their financial institution given their unique personal financial situation.

Press release

Calif. Banks Met With Frustration as PPP 2.0 Launches

Steve Andrews, president and CEO of the Western Bankers Association, issued the following statement regarding today’s re-opening of the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program:

“California banks worked throughout the weekend to prepare for the re-opening of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) platform where Paycheck Protection Program loan applications must be submitted. Banks were hoping that the glitches that challenged the system during the first round of funding would be resolved.

Press release

Californians Without a Bank Account Encouraged to Explore Options in Advance of Stimulus Check Disbursement

SACRAMENTO, Calif. –  Eligible Californians are expected to soon be receiving federal stimulus benefits, as part of the coronavirus economic relief package passed recently by Congress. Known as economic impact payments, it is estimated that this relief will bring $25 to $30 billion in funds to Californians who are struggling during these challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Press release

The California Bankers Association Announces California Industry Response to Coronavirus

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association (CBA) released the following statement regarding the California banking industry’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19):

“California banks are actively monitoring the latest reports from the Center for Disease Control and taking numerous precautions to help ensure the safety of their customers and employees. Banks have well-developed business continuity plans and are prepared and ready to help their customers in this time of need.

Press release

The California Bankers Association Highlights Economic Impact of Banks Doing Business in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association (CBA), a division of the Western Bankers Association, has released an updated report that examines the critical role banks play in supporting California’s economy and the communities where they do business. The report, prepared by Beacon Economics, examines and identifies a number of direct economic impacts banks have, as well the considerable contributions banks make to California’s economy through what are referred to as indirect effects.

Key findings include:

Press release

The California Bankers Association Responds to Wildfires and Public Safety Power Shutoffs

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association (CBA) released the following statement regarding the recent wildfires burning across the state, and the recurring public safety power shutoffs (PSPS):

 

“California banks are deeply committed to the communities that we serve. We stand ready to assist and help our customers who have been impacted by the recent wildfires or public safety power shutoffs.