Assemblymember Sandré Swanson, currently serving as Chair of both the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee, and the Select Committee on State School Financial Takeovers, has been appointed by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez to the Assembly Select Committee on Ports.  The Committee is charged with all issues regarding California’s ports. Assemblymember Swanson is thrilled to be a part of this important Committee, as his district includes the fourth busiest container port in the United States, the Port of Oakland.

"More than one-quarter of all trade to the nation moves through California’s ports. Additionally, thousands of jobs are created. California ports are essential to maintaining the viability of the State's economy and the economic health of the United States.  Being a member of this Select Committee will allow me to continue my advocacy for the safety and security of our ports. I want to make sure that these vital economic engines have everything they need to keep California strong.  I look forward to working with my colleagues on this Committee,” Mr. Swanson stated.

Assemblymember Swanson serves on the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #4, which deals with the financing of State agencies. Earlier this year at a Budget Subcommittee #4 hearing, Mr. Swanson successfully moved to increase funding from $50 million to $60 million to establish the California Port Security Grant Program. He was disappointed when, in the course of budget negotiations, funding for this program was cut to $40 million.

“As a Member of the Select Committee on Ports, I will continue to advocate for programs like the Port Security Grant Program, which provide grants to assist ports in preparing for, responding to, and protecting against acts of terrorism,” asserted Mr. Swanson.

The Assembly Select Committee on Ports is chaired by Assemblywoman Betty Karnette (D – Long Beach). Other committee members include Assemblymembers Greg Aghazarian (R – Stockton), Juan Arambula (D – Fresno), Patty Berg (D – Eureka), Bob Huff (R – Diamond Bar), Mark Leno (D – San Francisco), Pedro Nava (D – Santa Barbara), Lori Saldaña (D – San Diego), and Sandré Swanson (D – Oakland).