What is being done to keep aviation jobs in Wichita?

(WICHITA, Kan.) — Cessna worker Theresa Vasquez spoke out about news the company was laying off another 700 workers.

"It is a big problem here, and we need our politicians to start standing behind the communities they're representing," said Vasquez. "They need to make sure these companies don't leave and give them any incentives to make them want to stay here."

Eyewitness News is responding to worker's concerns and brought them to two Kansas leaders.

Some of the first students are sitting in classrooms at Wichita's new National Center for Aviation Training. But the home of future workers is the backdrop for a familiar story in the Air Capitol, hundreds of new layoffs.

"We aren't out of the woods yet," said Sedgwick County Commissioner, Karl Peterjohn. He says the county continues to support aviation, including investing millions in the training center.

"The county has reduced the mill levy to create a competitive climate for all the businesses," he said.

The county also gave Cessna five million dollars to fund the Columbus project in 2008, but it was cancelled and the investment returned.

"It's regrettable, and it is not what anyone wanted to see or occur," he said.
     
Peterjohn and other lawmakers say there's more they can do.

State Representative Steve Brunk says its important to think long-term, because its not just the economy that's troubling the aviation industry in Wichita. He says it's the competition from other states for Wichita's jobs.

"Other states are all here knocking on our doors," Rep. Brunk said. "They want what we have here."

He believes Kansas can do a better job of creating a good business climate.

"We want to make sure Kansas is a low tax state with a stable regulatory environment," he explained. "The stability gives business predictability."