State Association of County Retirement Systems (SACRS) legislative staff and volunteers work together through the the organization's Legislative Committee. SACRS lobbying efforts are responsible for monitoring and reviewing active California Public Pension legislation. Additionally, SACRS Legislative Committee, on behalf of the membership, drafts and introduces requested legislation for the 20 California retirement systems operating under the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL).
Michael R. Robson Partner, Edelstein, Gilbert, Robson & Smith LLC
Michael R. Robson has worked for over 17 years in California politics and has been lobbying since 2001. Prior to joining the firm, he served in increasing levels of responsibility and authority for over a decade for one of the most respected members of the California State Legislature, Senator Dede Alpert. Robson began his long and successful career with Senator Alpert as a legislative aide soon after she was elected to the Assembly in 1990. Robson became staff director/chief of staff in 1998, while the Senator served in the crucial position of Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
His work in the Legislature brings an insider’s knowledge of the legislative and state budget process, along with invaluable relationships with key players in government, business, and politics. He is experienced in all public policy areas with particular expertise in environmental safety, utilities, revenue and taxation, local government finance, education, and the budget.
Robson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government/Journalism from California State University, Sacramento in 1990.
Trent E. Smith
Partner, Edelstein, Gilbert, Robson & Smith LLC
Trent E. Smith worked for over 12 years in the State Capitol prior to joining Edelstein Gilbert Robson & Smith in 2002. He worked both in the State Senate and Assembly. He started his career in 1990 working for the popular and well-respected late Senate Republican Leader Ken Maddy. Smith was later awarded one of 16 positions in the prestigious Senate Fellowship Program. Upon completing this one-year post-graduate program, he started his 10-year tenure working in various positions in the State Assembly.
Smith worked as a Chief of Staff to Assembly Member Tom Woods of Redding. He also served as Chief of Staff to Orange County Assembly Member Patricia Bates, who served as Vice Chair of the powerful Assembly Appropriations Committee. In this position, Smith gained a unique and valuable knowledge of the State Budget and related fiscal policy matters. In addition, he has extensive experience in numerous policy areas.
Smith earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Davis in 1991.