California lawmakers recently formed the California Aviation Caucus.
The caucus is designed to educate other lawmakers, staff and the public about the many significant contributions of aviation and aerospace to citizens and communities throughout the state.
The bipartisan state caucus follows the model established by general aviation (GA) caucuses in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
California state Sen. Jean Fuller founded the aviation caucus, which currently includes seven senators and 10 members of the state Assembly.
The caucus is co-chaired by Fuller and Assemblyman Jim Patterson, with participation open to all state legislators who wish to foster appreciation for aviation in California, and support the growth and development of aviation-related businesses and jobs, according to a report at the National Business Aviation Association website.
“I’ve been a private pilot nearly all my adult life and have seen the enjoyment that flying brings first-hand,” added Patterson. “It’s important that Sacramento politicians aren’t oblivious to the economic activity brought to our state by aviation, and I look forward to providing them with that view.”
Additional goals for the newly formed caucus include supporting legislation that creates jobs in the state’s aviation industry and improves transportation between communities within the state and across state boundaries. Caucus members also aim to improve the business climate for aviation-related industries in California.
Similar caucuses have been established in other states, including: Texas, New Hampshire, Michigan, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, New York and Ohio.
It will be interesting to see what this group can contribute to the efforts to keep the Santa Monica [SMO] airport open.