Bipartisan Support Directs Several Key Elements For Space
Industry
Prior to the halfway point of the 60-day 2010 Florida
Legislative Session in Tallahassee, the Florida Senate moved
rapidly to pass a critical bill to aid in stimulating economic
development and job growth across the state. The bill, sponsored by
Senator Don Gaetz (R-Destin), entitled "Jobs for Florida" (SB1752),
includes critical funding for Florida's aerospace industry. The
inclusion of aerospace and the drive for its passage was initiated
by leaders of the Florida Senate, including Senator Mike
Haridopolos (R-Melbourne), the incoming Senate President, and
Senator Thad Altman (R-Melbourne), chair of the Finance and Tax
Committee.
"Floridians have kept our nation on the cutting edge of space
exploration and development, and the loss of any Florida space jobs
will create overwhelming challenges for the Space Coast and our
state's entire economy," said Florida Governor Charlie Crist. "I
applaud Senators Gaetz, Haridopolos and Altman, as well as
Representatives Steve Crisafulli and Ritch Workman, for their
commitment to preserving and retaining our leadership in the global
space arena."
Space investment included in this bill contains $10 million for
project financing and $3 million for business development, which
will aid the State's ability - through Space Florida - to attract
and expand aerospace businesses. The aerospace portion of this bill
is specifically designed to create new jobs at a time when NASA's
Space Shuttle retirement is expected to result in significant job
losses, estimated at a total of 23,000 people, both direct and
indirect.
Also included in the "Jobs for Florida" legislation is $3.2
million to be used for workforce retraining and ultimate retention
of displaced, highly skilled Shuttle workers.
"This critical funding support has truly been a timely and
coordinated effort," noted Space Florida President Frank DiBello.
"Beginning with Governor Crist's initial budget recommendations and
support of the Space Transition and Revitalization (STAR) bill,
adding in the priorities the Lt. Governor has made as Chair of the
Space Florida Board, and now to the pivotal success of SB1752
championed by Senator Gaetz, and supported by Senators Haridopolos
and Altman, legislators across Florida are voting to ensure space
remains a vital industry in our state."
"The passage of SB1752 demonstrates that Florida is serious about
advancing the aerospace industry and keeping this tremendous
workforce," stated Lynda Weatherman, president of the Economic
Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast. "We applaud
this effort and look forward to our continued work with Space
Florida to attract and expand aerospace business."
As the second half of Florida's Legislative Session begins this
week, a number of space-related bills will be heard in both House
and Senate Committees, including:
- STAR Act (Space Transition and Revitalization Bill).
- Commercial Launch Zone.
- Workforce Retention Tax Credit.
- Research & Development Tax Credit.
"Passage of these additional, critical pieces of legislation,
send a clear message to the international space industry that
Florida is committed to helping them reach their next-generation
space goals - and that we are open for business - whether they are
involved in commercial, NASA, or Department of Defense space
business," added DiBello.