Thread: Scores of Silicon Valley leaders descend on D.C. to press the flesh with U.S. lawmake

Scores of Silicon Valley leaders descend on D.C. to press the flesh with U.S. lawmakers

By QUEENIE WONG
PUBLISHED: March 13, 2017 at 4:15 pm | UPDATED: March 13, 2017 at 4:27 pm

President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration and even transgender student bathroom use have riled up Silicon Valley tech leaders and workers, igniting more activism in some of the world’s largest tech companies.

But Bay Area leaders aren’t done voicing their concerns or pushing for policies they say will help fuel jobs and innovation.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, more than 80 CEOs and local elected officials are expected to meet with 50 U.S. lawmakers in Washington, D.C. The annual trip, which is organized by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, attracted more participation than it has in previous years.

“We live in a fascinating time in our country’s democracy, and I think a lot of people are making a choice. They can be engaged or they can be enraged,” said Carl Guardino, president and CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group.

Officials from Apple, Samsung, Nvidia, Microsoft, HP Inc. and IBM are among the tech companies expected to participate in the D.C. trip. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo is also attending, though a storm on the East Coast could jeopardize travel plans for those headed there.

From transportation and cybersecurity to healthcare and immigration, there’s a lot on the table.

And with a Republican-controlled Congress and a president who has already clashed with Silicon Valley during his first weeks in office, Bay Area leaders have their work cut out for them. The group set up meetings with legislators from both parties, including Orrin Hatch, president pro tempore of the Senate and a Republican from Utah.

“We have a very diverse country in normal times, and today one could argue we have a very divided country,” Guardino said.

The trade association is pushing for federal grant funding for the area’s train system, affordable and accessible health care, immigration reform, an update to the U.S. tax code, investment in scientific research, computer science education funding, among other issues.

A $647 million federal grant to fund an electrical system that Caltrain plans to install has been delayed after House Republicans from California opposed the grant. Caltrain electrification is part of a high-speed rail project, for which those lawmakers have demanded an audit.

The Silicon Valley Leadership Group, though, argues that the grant funding should go through because the project will help reduce traffic congestion in the area.

It also wants to protect and grow the number of H-1B visas that tech companies rely on in Silicon Valley.

“With President Trump in the White House, the push is for better explaining the need for high-skilled workers as part of America’s innovation economy,” Guardino said.

Meanwhile, local politicians are also setting up their own meetings in D.C. as part of the trip.

Following the flood in February, San Jose’s mayor will be talking to senior officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency about funding for disaster relief.

And while Silicon Valley may not always agree with government officials, Liccardo noted there are leaders from both parties within the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. The trade group represents more than 400 employers.

“In Silicon Valley, there’s a perspective that we are a blue region within a blue state,” Liccardo said. “But the good news is that we do have a strong relationship with moderate Republicans who can help build bridges.”

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/03/1...u-s-lawmakers/

Wouldn't it be nice if we could have a 12 month moratorium against lobbyist?