Washington – Rep. Joe Baca (D-Rialto) met with members of Inland Action, Inc. in Washington to discuss the group’s priorities for economic growth in the Inland Empire.

Inland Action, Inc. is a “non-profit, non-partisan corporation of public spirited citizens who are banded together to aid in the economic development on the Inland Empire.” The group is comprised of community, education and business leaders.

“Hearing from constituents is a critical part of the legislative process. It’s all about having an open dialogue and building relationships,” said Rep. Baca. “The input I received from Inland Action today will help me to assess the needs of our community for federal funding and legislation.”

Inland Action met with the other six members of the Inland Empire delegation and California’s two senators.

“We have been able to achieve a lot in the Inland Empire by working in a bipartisan manner,” said Rep. Baca. “Inland Action helps the members to work together to improve the quality of life in the our community.”

Rep. Baca spoke to the group about the need to fully fund education programs and transportation projects in the district. He also addressed the Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) process that is approaching. 62 bases in California will be considered under the process, including the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow.

“I attended school in Barstow, and my father worked in Barstow. We need to fight to keep that base there. But we also need to have the vision and the foresight to plan for an economic recovery if the base should close under the BRAC process. I will be working with State Assemblyman Joe Baca Jr. very closely during this process to ensure that our community does not suffer adverse affects from the BRAC process. Most importantly, I will work with the Assemblyman to make sure the area is designated a Local Military Base Recovery Area,” said Rep. Baca.