I think it would have more legitimacy if it came down from the federal government. Ideally, the senate and CARE would send items back and forth between each other. For example, the senate could pass a transit bill specifying that it will vote on a consolidated proposal from the region within a set time frame. CARE would hash out the details, vote on its proposal, and send it back to the senate.
Re: Duke's caution that it's difficult to find people to fill positions as is, this idea would actually not create any new positions at all. CARE would involve the 5 regional executive and the vice president.
So do you mean the Senate and CARE would have to agree on any new law affecting the region?
