FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2009
Media Contact: Della Domingo
909/396-0289, ext. 130
dellad@sema.org
Washington, D.C. (May 4, 2009) – California Assemblyman Mike Duvall is the new chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The Caucus is supported by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Duvall succeeds New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich who served in that capacity for a two-year term beginning in 2007.
The Caucus is a bi-partisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love for automobiles. To date, almost 400 state legislators from all 50 states have joined the group. The Caucus serves to raise the motor vehicle hobby’s profile in state legislatures across the country, and in the eyes of the public. Many of these lawmakers seek to preserve and expand the hobby by improving existing motor vehicle statutes and regulations.
Mike Duvall represents the 72nd Assembly District in California. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2006 and reelected in 2008. Within a month of his arrival in Sacramento, Duvall was appointed to the Vice-Chairmanship of the powerful Assembly Transportation Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the many roadway, rail, air and port operations of the California Department of Transportation, Department of Motor Vehicles, and the California Highway Patrol.
In 2007, Duvall sponsored legislation in the Assembly to allow certified aftermarket and performance parts to be sold and installed on motorcycles. In recent years he has also used his committee position to oppose legislation to require annual emissions inspections of vehicles 15 years and older and new vehicle surcharges based on carbon emissions.
“From pre-World War II classics to street rods to 60s-era muscle cars to late model imports and everything in between, the automobile stands as a testimony to ingenuity and craftsmanship while serving as a source of recreation for tens of thousands of enthusiasts and collectors throughout the U.S.,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “In his years of public service, Assemblymember Mike Duvall has a proven record of commitment to enabling this enthusiasm for years to come. We look forward to his leadership of the Caucus.”
Despite his busy legislative schedule, Duvall is the consummate car guy. He counts a 1952 Ford F-1 Pick-up Truck, a 1955 Ford Fairlane, a 1960 Ford Stakebed, a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, a 1990 Chevrolet ZR1 Corvette, a 1993 Chevrolet Corvette and a 2003 Chevrolet Corvette among his prized personal collection.
“I welcome the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus,” Duvall said. “The past leaders of the Caucus, Assemblymember Bill Reilich of New York and Senator Brueggeman of Montana, have set the bar very high. I will work with them and other Caucus members to ensure that the automotive hobby is kept alive and well for future generations.”
“It is my goal to seek out other lawmakers to join us,” Duvall continued. “As a member of the California Assembly, I have been diligent in my efforts to work with fellow legislators to protect the interests of automobile enthusiasts in my state. Those that don't share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the unintended effects of many of the bills that are introduced each year. It is the role of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, especially its chairman, to teach and inform. I’m excited by that challenge.”
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $38.1 billion specialty automotive industry of 7,358 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org and www.enjoythedrive.com.
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