BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AJR 11
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ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AJR
11 (Burke and Atkins)
As Introduced March 4, 2015
Majority vote
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|Committee |Votes |Ayes |Noes |
|----------------+------+--------------------+-----------------------|
|Veterans |9-0 |Irwin, Mathis, | |
|Affairs | |Alejo, Brough, | |
| | |Brown, Chávez, | |
| | |Daly, Frazier, | |
| | |Salas | |
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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. Specifically, 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.
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2)Calls upon President Barack 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:
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,
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f) The disproportionate sacrifices California has endured in
previous BRAC rounds.
EXISTING LAW: The Defense Base Realignment and Closure Act of
1990 (Public Law 101-510) provides the basic framework for the
transfer and disposal of military installations closed during the
BRAC process.
FISCAL EFFECT: None. This measure is keyed non-fiscal by the
Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS: According to the author:
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% of
the total base closures nationally; 11% of the base
realignments; 54% 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.
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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 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.
RELATED LEGISLATION: AB 442 (Irwin) of the current legislative
session, 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.
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Analysis Prepared by:
John Spangler / V.A. / (916) 319-3550 FN: 0000151