Sacramento, CA – Senate Joint Resolution 19, authored by Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Moorpark), passed the Assembly floor on a bipartisan vote and now moves to the Governor’s desk for signature.

“California’s military bases are incredibly important to both our state as a whole and to the communities where they’re located,” Sen. Strickland said. “In Ventura County, Naval Base Ventura County is the largest employer, providing over 17,000 jobs for both servicemembers and civilians alike.”

“In addition to the hundreds of thousands of jobs military bases across the state provide to hardworking Californians, they also provide a strong national security presence and help ensure our ongoing safety,” Sen. Strickland added. “I’m glad my colleagues stood with me in sending a strong message to Congress to let them know just how vital our military bases are.”

SJR 19 encourages the California Congressional delegation to help keep California military bases open should the U.S. Department of Defense go forward with a new round of base closures. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has indicated he plans to ask Congress to approve a new round of base closures in the future, through the Federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission program.

In addition to SJR 19, Sen. Strickland has also sent a letter to Gov. Jerry Brown, asking him to authorize the creation of an unpaid, volunteer task force for the strategic purpose of preserving California’s military bases. Similar task forces were authorized in 1993 by Gov. Pete Wilson and 2004 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, but both have since expired.

Sen. Strickland is available to the media for an interview or comments.

Tony Strickland represents California Senate District 19, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.