Department Commander Ed Grimsley hands Sen. Brian Jones a plaque for “Legislator of the Year” on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, the 101st birthday of The American Legion. (Photo: Kerry Cortinas)
Department of California Commander Ed Grimsley presented the Legislator of the Year Award to Sen. Brian Jones on Sept. 16, the 101st anniversary of the charter and incorporation by Congress of The American Legion as a patriotic veterans organization.
Sen. Jones shared with District 22 Chaplain Robyn Nolin and Area 5/District 22 Historian Kerry Cortinas, who were on hand for the ceremony, some of his experiences with Boys State and the American Legion. Senator Jones joked that although he finished second place at Boys State, he still realized his goal of becoming an elected member of Congress and continues to work hard for America’s veterans.
Brian W. Jones was elected in 2018 to serve the people of California’s 38th Senate District. He is chair of the Senate Republican Caucus. Prior to serving in the Senate, Jones was a Santee City Council member for eight years from 2001 to 2010 then again from 2017 to 2018. Jones was the representative for the 71st Assembly District from 2010 to 2016.
Jones grew up in the district and attended Santee Elementary, Cajon Park Middle School and Santana High School. He continued his education at Grossmont College before earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration at San Diego State University.
Some of the legislative priorities during his Assembly years were lowering taxes, improving the economic development for small businesses, supporting the Armed Forces and veterans, removing unnecessary red tape and protecting the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
Jones’ legislative achievements include the introduction and co-authorship of “Made in America” legislation, which makes it easier for manufacturers to do business in California, legislation to support the expanding craft beverage industry in California and legislation allowing non-motorized vehicles such as scooters, bicycles and wheelchairs in skate parks.
He became well known for his annual Second Amendment Awareness event, which educated his constituents on those rights and related state legislation. He also gave attendees opportunities to learn how to control a firearm safely or improve their accuracy during the awareness event.
Earlier this session Sen. Jones introduced Senate Bill 1177, a measure responding to a State Auditor’s Report about some properties at State Veterans Homes be leased out for long periods of time under terms that didn’t always prioritize the best possible benefits for the Home, the state taxpayers and the veteran residents of the Home. SB 1177 easily cleared the Senate and helped clear the way for a final similar measure – AB 240 – to pass the Legislature and get recently signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom
Also this session, Sen. Jones hosted 101-year-old WWII Veteran Sidney Walton at the California State Capitol. Walton was on a tour to visit all 50 state capitols.
Additionally, Sen. Jones worked with local veterans and law enforcement on the “Back the Badge” motorcycle rally in July. Jones rode his own motorcycle in the rally in which riders visited several law enforcement agencies in the San Diego region to demonstrate support for the men and women in law enforcement.
Author: KerryCortinas
Former Marine with more than 20 years of Government Service. Currently California’s Area 5 and District 22 Historian.
