Wilk testifies in committee to fund the California Institute for Aerospace

SACRAMENTO –Today, Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, presented alongside Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, in the Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance to request general fund dollars to create the California Institute for Aerospace within the University of California system.

“Santa Clarita and the larger Northern LA County region directly benefit from the high-paying jobs and local commerce that result from the aerospace industry,” Wilk said. “Creating this world-class research institute will ensure that aerospace innovation and talent continue to be a driving economic force for Southern California.”

The California Institute for Aerospace would utilize the University of California system to strengthen Southern California's status as a global leader in aerospace development by fully maximizing our role in high-profile projects, such as designing, testing, and building the new Long Range Strike Bomber – anticipated to create 2,100 direct jobs.

“The community support that has coalesced around the Institute for Aerospace has been incredible. With our region's history of innovation and expertise in the aerospace sector, we are well positioned to be successful,” said Assemblyman Lackey.

The budget request builds on the efforts of Assembly Bill 2600 – the policy proposal to create the California Institute for Aerospace through the legislative process. This effort is led jointly by Assemblyman Lackey, R-Palmdale, Assembly Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, Congressman Knight, R-Antelope Valley, Senator Runner, R-Antelope Valley, and Senator Fuller, R-Bakersfield.

The Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance will vote on the item at a later date.