sales tax, they were en route to Sacramento on a lobbying junket to push for two bills - SB 1291 and AB 2218 - that would have exempt companies from state sales taxes for purchasing equipment used in manufacturing and research. Immigration reform SVLG advocates immigration reform in the United States, claiming there is a growing lack of skilled labor in Silicon Valley that could be closed by immigration. Specifically, the SVLG advocates increasing the number of H-1B visas and easing access to green cards. U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office SVLG has supported San Jose in its bid for a regional patent office. In 2012, the group claimed the confirmation of San Jose as a host of one of the four regional offices a "big win". Electrification of Caltrain The Silicon Valley Leadership Group has worked in coordination with local leaders to fund the electrification of Caltrain. In May 2017, the Federal Transit Administration approved a $647 million grant for the project. SVLG CEO Carl Guardino described the confirmation of the federal grant as "the major holidays wrapped into one with a beautiful Caltrain bow around it.” In July 2017, a group including Guardino, Caltrain's CEO, elected officials and business leaders celebrated the official groundbreaking of the Caltrain project. Local philanthropy Starting in 2004, the Group has sponsored an annual charity "Turkey Trot" run, with the proceeds going to local charities. The annual target is $1 million of contributions. References External links Ourpower.org Electric Vehicles International (EVI) OEMTEK How Silicon Valley could become the Detroit of electric cars. A car that could save the planet—fast- Silicon Valley's big brains think they can beat Detroit and Tokyo. Economy of the San Francisco Bay Area Silicon Valley Political advocacy groups in the United States Politics of San Jose, California Organizations established in 1978 1978 establishments in California Organizations based in San Jose, California