TOGETHER IN OUR NATION'S CAPITAL.
A delegation of more than 220 business, civic and community leaders from across Southern California joined together this week to urge federal legislators to make jobs a top priority and invest in our region. As legislators focused on health care reform, Congressional leaders made time to meet with the Southern California on the Hill - Access Washington, D.C. delegation, which made sure that jobs, infrastructure and education would be at the forefront once the health care issue debate subsides. Southern California on the Hill - Access Washington, D.C. is hosted by a collaboration of more than a dozen Southern California business advocacy organizations. Above, members of the delegation in front of the Capitol building Tuesday. (View photo gallery).

Delegation meets with more than 100 members of Congress and Administration
The Southern California delegation focused on job creation, infrastructure development and education during the three-day visit to Washington, D.C. On Monday evening, the delegation honored Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and Rep. David Dreier (R-CA) at a Hollywood-themed reception. On Tuesday morning, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) discussed health care reform and a second jobs stimulus bill. Feinstein also explained how serious the long-term federal deficit is to the national economy and taxpayers. Later that day, the delegation heard from Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) as he shared his perspective on the budget, small business and health care reform.

Senior White House Advisor discusses health care reform with delegation
Valerie Jarrett, senior White House advisor, shared with the delegation on Wednesday the status of negotiations to pass health care reform by the end of this weekend. She outlined President Barack Obama's plan for strengthening the economy and creating new jobs. Jarrett praised the delegation for having a coalition of business, labor, elected officials and community leaders, saying it was a model of collaboration that she hoped members of Congress would emulate.

30/10 transportation plan gets the attention of legislators
The delegation stressed to legislators the importance of supporting the 30/10 transit plan for L.A. County. The 30/10 plan would expedite construction of $40 billion in Measure R projects within the next decade. "Bipartisan support for the 30/10 initiative is building, because as the L.A. Area Chamber knows, creating jobs and reducing air pollution makes sense regardless of party lines," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "These 12 rail and bus projects can jump start the region's economy by putting 166,000 people back to work and transform L.A. County to a more sustainable community in 10 years." From left, Art Leahy, Metro; Mayor Villaraigosa; and Chris Martin, AC Martin Partners. Contact Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568 or [email protected].

Chamber successfully advocates for new education legislation
The Education K-12 team met with Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) regarding the push for new federal legislation to link high school academics with real world applications, also known as Linked Learning. Rep. Chu will pursue the legislation. Contact David Rattray, 213.580.7515 or [email protected].

Aviation team meets with FAA administrator on modernization efforts at LAX
The Aviation team met with Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) Randy Babbitt about modernization of the Los Angeles International Airport and the recent North runway safety report. Babbitt stressed that Los Angeles has to modernize the North runway in order to compete for passengers and the next generation of technical assistance money from the FAA. Contact Beverly Kenworthy, 213.580.7531 or [email protected].

Workforce Development meets with Secretary Solis to advocate for HIRE LA
The Workforce Development team met with U.S. Secretary Hilda Solis on the need for summer jobs programs for young people. Secretary Solis voiced strong support for renewed funding for the HIRE LA's Youth program sponsored by Mayor Villaraigosa and the Chamber. Contact David Rattray, 213.580.7515 or [email protected].

Economic Recovery team focuses on National Export Initiative
The Economic Recovery team met with several top officials at the U.S. Department of Commerce on the importance of President Obama's National Export Initiative. Southern California business will be key in achieving the President's goal of doubling exports in five years. Contact Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez, 213.580.7569 or [email protected].

Homelessness team advocates for permanent supportive housing
The Chamber and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles briefed Congressional staff on our innovative local efforts to reduce homelessness in Los Angeles through permanent supportive housing. Congressional staff praised the homelessness partnership, saying it is one of the most innovative partnerships they've seen on the issue in the nation. Contact Beverly Kenworthy, 213.580.7531 or [email protected].

Water team discusses water crisis with legislators
The Board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California partnered with the Chamber for a successful Congresional briefing cohosted by Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA). The briefing covered the water deal that was struck last year, local efforts to invest in water infrastructure and how the federal government can partner with Southern California to strengthen water delivery to business and residents while preserving the environment. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558 or [email protected].