July 3, 2019 the Honorable Bob Archuleta Chair, Senate Veteran Affairs Committee State Capitol, Room 4066 Sacramento, CA 95814 R
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July 3, 2019 The Honorable Bob Archuleta Chair, Senate Veteran Affairs Committee State Capitol, Room 4066 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: Assembly Bill 1588 (Gloria) – SUPPORT As Amended June 25, 2019 Dear Senator Archuleta: On behalf of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), we support Assembly Bill 1588, authored by Assembly Member Todd Gloria, which would increase the opportunity for military veterans transitioning into civilian water and wastewater treatment occupations to receive appropriate credit for experience and education gained in this field during their military service. RCRC is an association of thirty-six rural California counties, and the RCRC Board of Directors is comprised of elected supervisors from those member counties. Beginning in 1971, California has had criteria to govern the certification of potable water treatment facility operations. As part of meeting new standards, regulations were established (and updated over the years) regarding the level of staffing required, minimum qualifications for operator testing, and the criteria for the renewal as well as revocation of operator certificates. Known as the Drinking Water Operator Certification Program (Program), it is responsible for the testing and certification of approximately 41,000 water facility and waste water treatment operators throughout California. This Program is housed within the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), which also administers the certification examinations, issues certifications, and certification renewals It has become increasingly difficult to meet the demand for water system operators, particularly in the rural areas of the State where the systems tend to be smaller and more remote. Further aggravating the situation is the expected retirement of many experienced operators as noted in industry reports over the past few years. Meanwhile, many military service members leave active duty each year with the requisite technical skillsets that can easily transition to civilian opportunities with water and wastewater treatment facilities. Recognizing these skillsets and the experience 1215 K Street, Suite 1650, Sacramento, CA 95814 | www.rcrcnet.org | 916.447.4806 | Fax: 916.448.3154 ALPINE AMADOR BUTTE CALAVERAS COLUSA DEL NORTE EL DORADO GLENN HUMBOLDT IMPERIAL INYO LAKE LASSEN MADERA MARIPOSA MENDOCINO MERCED MODOC MONO NAPA NEVADA PLACER PLUMAS SAN BENITO SAN LUIS OBISPO SHASTA SIERRA SISKIYOU SONOMA SUTTER TEHAMA TRINITY TULARE TUOLUMNE YOLO YUBA The Honorable Bob Archuleta Assembly Bill 1588 July 3, 2019 Page 2 they bring is an opportunity to replenish the workforce with seasoned professionals with the requisite experience. AB 1588 provides a pathway for military veterans to apply their experience toward a new career in a civilian setting. It also ensures that the California water sector has a robust pool of skilled talent from which to draw. In addition, as recently-amended, AB 1588 requires SWRCB to evaluate the opportunities to issue certificates either through reciprocity in the case of water treatment experience or in the case of wastewater treatment certificate by examination waiver. This is a particular need in disadvantaged communities, many of which are within RCRC member counties. For the above reasons, RCRC respectfully requests your ‘Aye’ vote when this measure is heard before your Committee. Sincerely, MARY-ANN WARMERDAM Senior Legislative Advocate cc: The Honorable Todd Gloria, Member of the State Assembly The Honorable Randy Voepel, Member of the State Assembly The Honorable Jim Patterson, Member of the State Assembly The Honorable Brian Maienschein, Member of the State Assembly The Honorable Tasha Boerner Horvath, Member of the State Assembly The Honorable Adam Gray, Member of the State Assembly The Honorable Patricia Bates, Member of the State Senate The Honorable Bill Dodd, Member of the State Senate The Honorable Jeffrey Stone, Member of the State Senate The Honorable Ling Ling Chang, Member of the State Senate The Honorable Scott Wilk, Member of the State Senate The Honorable Jim Nielsen, Member of the State Senate Members of the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee Cindy Baldwin, Assistant, Senate Veteran Affairs Committee Doug Yoakam, Consultant, Senate Republican Caucus .