The Silicon Valley Leadership Group's annual advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., May 4-6, couldn't have been timed better.
As the Leadership Group delegation arrived in Washington, President Barack Obama had just proposed to change the way the overseas earnings of multinational companies are taxed. On the heels of this major announcement, which could have serious long-term impacts on SiliconValley employers, our collective Silicon Valley voice strategically and
immediately responded.
The Leadership Group arrived in Washington in force. Thank you to the 52 executives who participated -- our biggest delegation ever -- led by SunPower President and CEO Tom Werner.
In meetings with members of Congress and the Administration, the delegation reinforced the importance of being able to continue to defer international taxes, because deferral strengthens multinational companies at home and abroad. The message was heard on Capitol Hill while the Administration's proposal was still fresh in the minds of senators and representatives.
The Leadership Group will continue to wok with the Administration and Congress on major legislation that will directly impact the U.S., California, and Silicon Valley's future.
Priority issues on the Leadership Group's federal agenda:
* Continued ability to defer U.S. taxes on international earnings.
* An energy bill with opportunities for innovative renewable energy alternatives.
* Climate change cap-and-trade legislation.
* A permanent R&D tax credit.
* Comprehensive health care reform.
We are grateful for the incredible time investment of so many who effectively delivered a strong message on our federal issues agenda. We were able to make more than 60 contacts with the following policy makers:
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
Senators Dianne Feinstein
Barbara Boxer
All of the Silicon Valley Congressional delegation - Rep. Anna Eshoo, Rep. Sam Farr, Rep. Mike Honda, and Rep. Zoe Lofgren
Key Senate and House Committee Chairs, Ranking Committee members, leadership from both sides of the aisle and strategic Committee members
White House
Larry Summers, Director of the White House's National Economic Council
Christina Romer, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers
Carol Browner, Energy adviser
Van Jones, Green jobs adviser
Vivek Kundra, chief information officer for the federal government.
