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Statement by AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey on Jobs for America: Investments and Policies for Economic Growth and Competitiveness

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is a statement by AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey:

The economy in general and job creation in particular are expected to be front and center in President Obama's State of the Union address tonight, highlighting the timeliness of a new report by the Milken Institute. Jobs for America says that more than 182,000 jobs could result from a $10.4 billion government investment in the Next Generation Air Transportation System.

NextGen is a solution at hand for our nation. The program is shovel ready and in addition to generating jobs will enhance the safety, security and environmental stewardship of our transportation system.

Jobs for America also calls out the value of aerospace manufacturing, which employs high-skilled labor and pays above average wages with an extensive value chain that stimulates many other manufacturing industries. According to our research, there are already 2,436 manufacturing, maintenance and installation facilities operating in every state of the union. Investment in NextGen will add more jobs to these already established and productive facilities.

Whether traveling to the corner store to pick up groceries or depending on a just-in-time shipment for a business project or manufacturing plant, aviation benefits all Americans, not just business and recreational travelers. As Congress and the administration develop a jobs bill, the data clearly shows that making NextGen a priority will help everyone.

Note: Jobs for America: Investments and Policies for Economic Growth and Competitiveness is available on the Milken website at http://www.milkeninstitute.org/publications/publications.taf?function=detail&ID=38801228&cat=resrep. The report was sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers. The discussion on NextGen is on page 52 of the report.

Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association represents the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, materiel, and related components, equipment services, and information technology.

SOURCE Aerospace Industries Association