Over 45 individuals representing a very diverse space enterprise community convened at the State Capitol for a day of legislative visits, known as California Space Day Sacramento. Participants were divided into 9 teams and met with
over 50 legislative offices.
Paramount to our discussion was protecting California’s leadership in the global space market by ensuring a qualified workforce. Our message was to ask for legislative support of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and career technical education (CTE) enhancements. We stressed the importance of “multiple pathways” in high school with the stipulation that such pathways provide students with a variety of options for post high school success in careers, postsecondary
learning or both. We also sought to preserve the Office of Military and Aerospace Support (OMAS) within the Business, Transportation and Housing (BTH) Agency. And, we promoted NASA by engaging in a conversation about their contribution to the emerging “green” economy.
During our meetings we stressed the importance of locating the Cyber Command in California, of building a commercial inland spaceport in Mojave, of maintaining C-17 transport aircraft production for our workforce, and of supporting an educational system that returns value to career technical education. In addition, we reminded Legislators of the importance industry places on the Research and Development Tax Credit.
Perhaps the highlight of the day, however, was a luncheon with members of Governor Arnold Schwarnegger’s key staff members. Joining us as the key note speaker was NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale, who delivered a message (PDF) about NASA’s impact on the California economy. It was well received and has hopefully opened the door for greater communication between the Governor’s office and NASA headquarters.
Activities ended with a reception in the Governor’s Counsel Room where we visited with key legislative staffers, other members of the Administration and various Legislators themselves, including: Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee, Assemblywoman Betty Karnette, Assemblyman Bill Maze and Assemblyman Mike Duvall.
Special thanks to all who contributed to this fantastic event including our sponsors Space Exploration Technologies, Raytheon, Boeing, USRA, Northrop Grumman, Westberg & White, Wyle Laboratories, Aerojet, AIAA, Southern California Edison, Comcast, Quintron, Scitor Corporation, United Launch Alliance, AirLaunch, Lockheed Martin and the Mojave Air & Space Port!
