Former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Joins The Bipartisan Policy Center as a Senior Fellow

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) announced today that former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa is joining the organization as a senior fellow.

"Mayor Villaraigosa is a seasoned and innovative political leader. As BPC develops practical solutions to the nation's budget woes and recommends bipartisan proposals for infrastructure investment, education and immigration reform, we welcome the mayor's expertise and experience," said BPC president Jason Grumet. "Mayor Villaraigosa will bring an important local perspective to our organization and an energetic and successful history of working across the aisle to get things done."

Villaraigosa served two-terms as mayor of Los Angeles from 2005 to 2013. During his time in office, the city made strides in economic development, public safety, transportation, the environment and education. Mayor Villaraigosa is known for spearheading bipartisan coalitions both as Speaker of the California State Assembly and Mayor of Los Angeles. He brought together hundreds of mayors from across the country to deal with the most pressing economic issues facing our cities.

"The Bipartisan Policy Center is lucky to have yet another proven leader join its ranks," said BPC Senior Fellow and former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman. "Anyone paying any attention to government recognizes that while D.C. is mired in anger and frustration, cities and states are moving forward with an array of important initiatives. This is where the action is. We are eager to work with Mayor Villaraigosa and local leaders across the country to demonstrate what responsible government looks like."

"At a time when our government has been shut down and Washington is mired in a partisan meltdown, I couldn't be prouder to work with an organization that works with both Democrats and Republicans to move our government and nation forward," said Mayor Villaraigosa.

Mayor Villaraigosa joins an impressive roster of senior fellows at BPC. This bipartisan group includes: former Secretary of Health and Human Services and former Governor Tommy Thompson; former Senate Majority Leaders Tom Daschle, Bill Frist, George Mitchell and Trent Lott; Senators Bob Bennett, John Danforth, Pete Domenici, Byron Dorgan, Slade Gorton, and Olympia Snowe; General (ret.) Jim L. Jones; and former President of Colombia Álvaro Uribe.

"Mayor Villaraigosa understands the importance of collaborative leadership, and we are fortunate to have him join our efforts at the Bipartisan Policy Center," said Senator Domenici.

About the Bipartisan Policy Center
Founded in 2007 by former Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole and George Mitchell, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a non-profit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation and respectful dialogue. With projects in multiple issue areas, BPC combines politically balanced policymaking with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach. For more information, please visit www.bipartisanpolicy.org

SOURCE Bipartisan Policy Center