Governor Brown convenes state military council

In an effort to protect and expand the military’s vital role in national security and California’s economy, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today established the Governor’s Military Council and appointed former Congresswoman and Under Secretary of State Ellen Tauscher as chair.
“California plays a crucial role in our nation’s defense, and military bases and activities are vital to our state’s economy,” said Governor Brown. “As federal priorities shift to cyber security and new military technology, this Council will work to expand defense-industry jobs and investment in California.”
California is home to 29 federal military installations and the Department of Defense directly employs more than 236,000 people in California. The Governor’s Military Council will work to protect California’s military installations and operations amid ongoing Department of Defense budget cuts, and leverage changes in federal military strategy to position the state to continue innovation and leadership in its military mission.
“California’s military infrastructure is critically important to national security,” Tauscher said. “The Council will send a unified message to Washington, D.C., that highlights the value of our military bases.”
The council includes retired admirals and generals from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as the Adjutant General of the California National Guard. The council’s bipartisan leadership from the state legislature, who were selected by Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, includes Senators Steve Knight (R- Antelope Valley) and Richard Roth (D-Riverside) and Assemblymembers Rocky Chávez (R-Oceanside) and Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance). Business leaders with significant experience in the defense industry will also serve on the Council.
Leaders in business, military and government have praised the convening of the Governor’s Military Council.
“The Defense Department employs nearly 250,000 Californians and is an important segment of our economy, contributing billions of dollars in wages and supporting our construction, manufacturing and R&D sectors,” said U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. “With federal budgets continuing to be cut—including many defense programs—it is my hope that the Governor’s Military Council will help protect jobs and investments and attract new missions associated with California’s military presence. I also believe that Ellen Tauscher is an excellent choice to chair this council, as she brings a wealth of experience at the State Department and as a member of the House of Representatives.”
“Southern California represents the heart of the nation’s defense-related industries,” said Bill Allen, president of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. “The estimated economic contributions of the aerospace industry alone in Southern California are about $66 billion in output and an estimated $2.4 billion in state and local taxes. We applaud the Governor’s leadership in forming this Council to protect these high-value jobs in the years to come.”
“California is home to dozens of important military installations, including several major bases and facilities here in the San Diego region alone,” said Larry Blumberg, executive director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council. “Local communities across the state—from San Diego to small towns—will benefit from this state leadership as we seek to retain and grow our bases.”
The council will convene for one year and draft specific recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

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