LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
CPF Legislative Conference Goes Virtual
The advent of COVID-19 lockdowns has only heightened the need for firefighters to be engaged with state policy makers on critical issues affecting the profession.
With in-person lobbying limited because of COVID protocols at the Capitol, CPF’s biennial Daniel A. Terry Legislative Conference was held virtually this past Spring. In a morning session, some 200 CPF local leaders heard from the state’s top officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Senate President Pro-Tem Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon.
Leg Conference participants also got a debrief on CPF’s ambitious legislative agenda for 2021. Among the highest priorities is AB 450, CPF’s important effort to bring balance and accountability to state EMS policy and, importantly, the paramedic disciplinary process. CPF is also leading the effort to add 9-1-1 dispatch personnel to last year’s post-traumatic stress presumption.
In the weeks leading up to and following the online event, a number of local leaders followed up directly with their area legislative representatives, to lobby for firefighter priorities, just as they would have done face-to-face.
“Even in challenging times, it is very important that legislators hear directly from firefighters about the issues that matter to them,” said CPF President Brian Rice. “The legislative conference gives our leaders a chance to engage directly with their local legislators. This only serves to benefit all of our members.”