Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today after Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation that invests in workforce development and extends airplane manufacturing tax incentives. Inslee sought the measures as part of the effort to secure the Boeing 777X production in Washington state.

“Washington is the aerospace capital of the world, and we need to work together to keep it that way,” Larsen said. “Gov. Inslee and the state legislature deserve credit for working together so quickly to pass this package that will build on our state’s competitive advantage for aerospace work in the decades to come.

“The women and men who make airplanes in Washington are the best trained aerospace workers around. The education and training package will help ensure that the next generation of workers will be able to meet the demand for advanced aerospace manufacturing in the years ahead.

“In the 21^st century, the commercial airplane business won’t be just Boeing and Airbus. We need to prepare to compete with companies around the world. With our 100 years in aviation manufacturing, we have a head start on the competition. Keeping that lead may mean further changes to remain competitive and innovative.”