SACRAMENTO — Sen. Tony Strickland, co-author of Senate Bill 292, released the following statement on the passage of the bill. designed to help the National Football League bring a team to Los Angeles:

“This legislation is a no-brainer. It will help to ensure we bring jobs to hardworking Californians and bring much-needed revenue to Southern California,” Sen. Strickland said.

“We have the second-highest unemployment rate in the nation and companies are fleeing California left and right,” he said. “When most investors are taking their money out of state, AEG is investing billions into our economy. This project is privately-funded –- it does not rely on any taxpayer dollars -– and brings nearly $2 billion to our local community, as well as over 23,000 jobs.”

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“It’s been over 16 years since the NFL has had a presence in Los Angeles and it’s high time we change that,” Sen. Strickland added. “The Farmers Field project will make Southern California a destination for conventions and big sporting events such as Final Four, the Super Bowl, and boxing events. This project will have a positive impact for years to come.”

“The only way we fix our current budget problem is by creating jobs and the Farmers Field project is a step in the right direction towards achieving this,” Sen. Strickland added. “SB 292 is also a step in the right direction in ensuring the project gets a fair environmental review, without allowing it to be held up in frivolous lawsuits.”

SB 292 expedites review for the Farmers Field project, without suspending the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or the environmental impact report. Because the NFL is on a strict timeline to bring a team back to Los Angeles, this bipartisan legislation was necessary in ensuring the project moves forward.

SB 292 passed the Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature.

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