It is critical for Placer County, its cities, and business leaders to work directly and proactively with our members of Congress, federal agencies, and the administration to resolve issues, drive prudent fiscal policy, and to secure funding for public projects. Success requires our leaders to wage this effort directly and proactively – without it L.A. and S.F. will surely benefit.

Once again this year (April 17 – 21), the Sacramento Metro Chamber will lead a regional coalition of government and business leaders to Washington D.C. The “Capitol-to-Capitol” program provides our greatest regional opportunity to facilitate face-to-face meetings with federal representatives on important regional issues and funding for transportation, infrastructure, and education. Last year, 300 local leaders held more than 200 delegation meetings and over its 40-year history the program has advocated for millions of dollars in funding for past and future projects such as Placer County’s biomass project, Phase 2 Construction of the Lincoln Bypass, and the Capitol Corridor Rail Track Improvements.

As a 4th generation resident, business owner, and as chairman of the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s Capitol-to-Capitol program, it is my view that it is critical for our county, cities, and businesses to once again engage in this advocacy effort.

One thing is for certain: The competition for our federal tax dollars won’t be won by the team that stays home.

Gregg McKenzie, Rocklin