Southern California Business and Civic Leaders Urge Federal Legislators to Rev "America's Recovery Engine"

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today on Capitol Hill, a delegation of 230 business and civic leaders from across Southern California joined together to advocate for federal investments that create jobs and stimulate the economy.  The delegation called on federal legislators to rev “America’s Recovery Engine” through strategic investments in the region’s infrastructure, workforce, natural resources and more.  Representing nearly six percent of U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Southern California region is poised to create and preserve over a million jobs and grow the economy through investments in its ports, airports and other economic assets vital to the rest of the nation.

The delegation included elected officials from five Southern California counties including: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser; Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard; Manhattan Beach Mayor Portia Cohen; Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet; San Gabriel Mayor Harry Baldwin; Riverside County Supervisor John Tavaglione; San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt; Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long; more than a dozen city councilmembers from across the region, and leaders from several county transit agencies.  The trip was hosted by a collaboration of nearly 20 Southern California business advocacy organizations.
 
“There is no doubt that Southern California will be an important engine in stimulating economic recovery nationwide,” said U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34). “With the recent passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, it is more important than ever for me and my colleagues to hear from Southern California business on the issues impacting growth and employment. I thank this prestigious delegation for coming to Washington to discuss how we can together create jobs and return to fiscal prosperity.”

Policies that foster job creation and stimulate business growth were a key focus of this year’s trip.  During the four-day visit, the delegation will meet with more than 100 members of Congress and Obama Administration officials on issues including: aviation; education and workforce development; energy, environment and climate change; global initiatives; health care; homelessness; housing, immigration reform; small business issues; transportation and goods movement; and water issues.

“The nation relies on Southern California’s infrastructure and innovation,” said U.S. Rep. David Dreier (CA-26).  “Strategic federal investments in these areas will yield tremendous returns from coast to coast.  I look forward to continuing to work with local leaders and job creators to advance the policies that will deliver the most benefit to the region and the nation.”

The Southern California on the Hill — Access Washington, D.C. advocacy trip is a program of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with partnering organizations including: Central City Association; FuturePorts; Inland Action; Los Angeles Business Council; Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce; Mobility 21; Orange County Business Council; Pasadena Chamber of Commerce; Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce; Southern California Association of Governments; Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce; U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Valley Industry & Commerce Association; and World Trade Week.  Municipal partners include: the City of Los Angeles; City of Pasadena; City of Santa Monica; and the Metropolitan Water District.

View the complete delegation list.

View the complete advocacy agenda.

Photos will be available at: ftp.rogerspr.com.  [Username: lachamber | Password: accessdc]

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