BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AJR 11
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Date of Hearing: April 14, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
Jacqui Irwin, Chair
AJR 11
(Burke) - As Introduced March 4, 2015
SUBJECT: Military bases: closures
SUMMARY: Memorializes the President and the Congress of the
United States to recognize the unique military value of
California's defense installations and the disproportionate
sacrifices California has endured in previous base realignment
and closure (BRAC) rounds. This bill:
1)Outlines the overall economic impact of the defense industry
in California and prior BRAC rounds, and notes that as our
nation faces new security threats in the 21st century, in
space, cyberspace, over land, at sea, and in the air,
California is helping the military meet the challenges of
today and tomorrow.
2)Calls upon President Obama and Congress to not only recognize
the unique military value of California's defense
installations, but also continue to take into account all of
the following:
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a) California's unparalleled land, air, and sea ranges that
provide the ability to train all types of forces, year
round;
b) California's ability to recruit and train highly skilled
and educated personnel;
c) The economic impact on existing communities in the
vicinity of military installations;
d) Our incomparable quality of life, which enhances
personnel retention;
e) The vast intellectual capital that has been developed in
California since World War II; and,
f) The disproportionate sacrifices California has endured
in previous BRAC rounds.
EXISTING LAW: The Defense Base Realignment and Closure Act of
1990 (P.L. 101-510) provides the basic framework for the
transfer and disposal of military installations closed during
the BRAC process.
FISCAL EFFECT: This measure is not keyed fiscal.
COMMENTS: According to the author:
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The federal Department of Defense has conducted four BRAC
rounds since 1988, the most recent in 2005 which resulted in
the closure of 25 major bases in California and the
realignment of eight other facilities. A sixth BRAC round has
been proposed for 2017. California has been hit harder than
any other state in the BRAC process. In the first four rounds
between 1988 and 1995, California absorbed: 25 percent of the
total base closures nationally; 11 percent of the base
realignments; 54 percent of the personnel cuts; and, 300,000
private sector defense industry jobs.
In spite of the losses, the defense industry continues to
represent a major economic force in California. Statewide,
there's more than $71 billion in direct spending in the
industry, and more than 350,000 jobs.
There are currently more than 30 major federal military
installations and commands in California that could be closed
or realigned under a new BRAC process.
A consistent theme and lesson learned staff has heard from the
defense community in California is that vigilance, active early
engagement, and a unified message are vital. These ensure that
the value of California's defense community and unique
installations is well-articulated and heard by decisionmakers in
both the pre-BRAC phase as well as during BRAC itself.
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RELATED LEGISLATION: AB 442 (Irwin), also before this Committee,
would codify the existence of the Governor's Military Council.
The mission of the Council, in pertinent part, is:
The Council will also articulate the military value of
California bases and operations as federal leaders consider
cuts and realignment to federal military operations. The
Secretary of Defense recently explained that coming military
cuts "will impact all 50 states and many districts across
America." Recognizing these threats to military operations,
the Council will highlight the ongoing military value of
California installations, and of the Californians and
businesses that support them.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
County of Los Angeles.
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Opposition
None on File.
Analysis Prepared by:John Spangler / V.A. / (916) 319-3550