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Sen. Schmidt
appointed to Washington state BRAC task force
February 4,
2005
OLYMPIA
- Sen. Dave Schmidt, R-Mill Creek,
was appointed today to a task force dealing with Washington
state’s interests in the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)
process.
“Washington
is, by far, one of the most military-dependent states in the
country,” Schmidt said. “More people receive W2s
from the Department of Defense than any other employer in the
state. The military presence here has long been a viable
part of our culture and our economy.”
Schmidt
was appointed by Senate Republican Leader Bill Finkbeiner,
R-Kirkland. He will join appointed members from each
legislative caucus and the governor’s office in making
Washington’s case for keeping and sustaining current
military base levels.
“The
last time we went through the base-closing process, Washington
state not only was spared serious closures or reductions, we
actually gained military personnel,” Schmidt said.
“This is important to remember because now, representatives
from other states will be gunning for us, thinking our time is
due.”
Schmidt,
who is a 22-year veteran of the Army National Guard, also says
Washington state leads the nation in military personnel per
capita.
“Not
only does Washington have more current military personnel per
capita than any other state in the nation, we also have more
veterans per capita than any other state,” Schmidt said.
“This is a very military- and veteran-friendly state.
Our communities embrace our military personnel and I think it
shows in the number of people who stay here after they serve
their military service.”
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