State Government Relations
State Government Relations
Welcome to the CBA State Government Relations section, where you’ll find the latest information on state banking legislation.
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.
California Advances COVID Relief to Struggling Californians
by Kevin Gould, SVP/Director of Government Relations
Since the Legislature’s return in January, the state has taken swift action to advance COVID-19 relief to struggling Californians. Economic assistance provided through the state’s efforts are designed to augment federal relief and extend support to individuals and small businesses that may not have received help in prior efforts.
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.
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.
The California Bankers Association Urges Support for Assembly Bill 3088
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association (CBA) released the following statement regarding Assembly Bill 3088:
“Our members have worked proactively with their customers since the beginning of this pandemic to provide important financial relief, including the forbearance of mortgage payments.
California Banks Remind Small Businesses that Funds are Still Available under the Paycheck Protection Program
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association released the following statement regarding the distribution and availability of funds available through the second round of the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):
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.
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.
California Banks Important Participants in Paycheck Protection Program
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On Friday, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) launched, making available $350 billion in loans to help small businesses who are in need of economic relief during these challenging times.
California Banks Still Awaiting Guidance as Paycheck Protection Program Set to Launch
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Since the beginning of this national pandemic, California’s banks have been outreaching and working proactively with customers to minimize the adverse financial effects of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 virus.
California Banks Encourage Outreach, Assisting Customers and Communities
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association released the following statement today regarding California’s banks ongoing assistance and outreach efforts during the COVID-19 crisis.
The California Bankers Association Encourages Homeowners to Reach Out Regarding Mortgage Hardships
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers
Association (CBA) released the following statement regarding
homeowners who might experience difficulty making mortgage
payments in light of the COVID-19 national emergency:
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.
The California Bankers Association Responds to DBO Restructuring Announcement
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association (CBA), issued the following statement today in response to the announcement that the Department of Business Oversight will be restructured and renamed the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation:
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:
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.
The California Bankers Association Response to Signing of AB 857
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association (CBA), issued the following statement today in response to Governor Newsom signing Assembly Bill 857 into law:
New Poll Shows Majority of Californians Oppose Government-Run Public Banks
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association (CBA) released the results of a poll conducted by FM3 Research that shows the vast majority of Californians oppose government getting into the business of banking. Currently, there is a measure before the California Legislature, Assembly Bill 857, authored by Assembly Members David Chiu of San Francisco and Miguel Santiago from Los Angeles, which allows for the creation of government-run public banks at the municipal level.