Letters of Support Needed for SB 1698 and the Space Grant Program

The California Space Authority (CSA) once again requests your assistance. We are working to fund the Space Enterprise Competitive Grant Program.

Senator Roy Ashburn has just introduced Senate Bill No. 1698, which would appropriate $2 million from the General Fund to the Business, Transportation and Housing (BTH) Agency for purposes of funding the
California Space Enterprise Competitive Grant Program.

During the past budget process, CSA put considerable effort into seeking the restoration of funding for the Grant Program. Our request for a $2 million augmentation to the Governor's Budget Proposal for the 2005-06
state budget was given serious consideration by the Budget Committee leaders but ultimately it was denied. Inasmuch as final 2005-06 Budget included an expected deficit of $6 billion, it wasn't surprising that legislative leaders chose to postpone our request. It is important to note that we garnered significant consideration by legislative leaders and budget negotiators. Your past letters contributed significantly to this attention.

The current Budget Proposal does not yet have an augmentation in it for the Grant Program. SB 1698 will help stir attention and provide us with a vehicle to follow-up with State Budget negotiators. We now ask that you write Senator Ashburn with your support of SB 1698. Enclosed are talking points for your use in designing a letter on your letterhead. Please send a copy of your letter to CSA so that we can pass your letter along to our key contacts.

Thank you for assisting us in this matter. Your timely attention to this request is important.
Sincerely,

Terris (Terry) L. Hanson
Captain, U.S. Navy, ret.
Executive Assistant
California Space Authority, Sacramento Office
916-551-1543

Space Grant talking points for past recipients to use in developing letters of support (PDF)

Suggested grant letter (PDF)