California State Senator Ricardo Lara announced today that he will continue as chair of the California Senate Select Committee on Ports & Goods Movement. According to the release, the Senate Rules Committee voted unanimously to reinstate the committee by a vote of five to zero and reappointed Senator Lara as Committee Chair.

Lara, who represents the 33rd Senate District, which includes the Port of Long Beach, adds his statement to a host of dignitaries this week who have urged the ILWU and PMA to resolve their differences as soon as possible.

“California’s ports serve as a global gateway to good jobs, productivity and a strong economy,” said Senator Ricardo Lara in a statement. “In today’s global economy, goods moved through the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles affect every community in the United States and any action to hinder or halt productivity at our ports hurts us all. No one wins when work stops at our ports, that’s why I urge a fair resolution that puts an end to the needless stalemate and gets our ports back to work.”

Senator Lara has chaired the Select Committee on Ports & Goods Movement for the last two years, representing the POLB. Lara stated his commitment to focus on returning the POLB to its once-bustling economic state.

“As Chairman of the Select Committee on Ports & Goods Movement, I am committed to working with key stakeholders to ensure that our ports remain robust and open for business so that businesses and workers thrive,” added Lara.