"Florida needs to speak with a unified voice regarding the importance of the space program. With the close of the shuttle program there will be a direct loss of 9,000 jobs and a loss of 14,000 other jobs in other sectors of the population that serve space industry employees. These would include people like teachers, waitresses and dry cleaners. That's very significant in a state where the unemployment rate is as high as it is,"
--Mark Nappi, Vice President, Launch and Recovery Systems, United Space Alliance
"We have a wonderful workforce at the Kennedy Space Center and these are people who have a passion for their work. The importance of that can't be understated because it gives those who fly confidence in what they do. The governor has pledged a significant amount of money for the space program and that seems to be a sign of the signficance of the program here in Florida. I feel positive about the future of the space program here in Florida."
--Nicole Stott, Astronaut
"President Obama came to Brevard County and promised to continue the funding for the space program. Obviously, he has changed his mind and that's very disappointing. We're talking about the loss of 23,000 jobs and that is simply unacceptable. The space industry provides a major tax incentive in my district. But this isn't just about jobs, its about national security. I don't want us to rely on the Russians to get us into space. Not only is the state of Florida a long term loser if the funding dries up but the nation as a whole suffers,"
--Mike Haridopolos, State Senator, R-Merritt Island
"I think the space program is vital to our state's future because of the economic impact it has in brings in the way of tourism but also because of the intellectual stimulation it brings to our citizens."
--LeeAnn Carr, Sumpter County
"The space program is vitally important to the education of our students in the areas of math and science. I think we're weak in both of those areas and anything we can do to further their growth among our students we should do."
--Cindy Kelley, Sumpter County
"We should continue to support the space program in our state. It's integral to both our citizens and our tourists. We still have a lot to discover about space and science and it's very important that we continue to explore both subjects."
--Morganna Freeman, Gainesville
"I really don't think you can stress enough the
enormous impact the space program has on the state
of Florida. The loss of jobs in Brevard County when
the shuttle program ends will have a devastating
effect on an already depressed real estate market, not
to mention the impact it will have on the 20,000 to 30,000
people who would be without jobs. I am very
disappointed in the president's stance regarding
privatizing the industry. Russia, China and India are
all developing their own programs and if we take a
step back it could make us a second class nation.
There is one organization, NASA, that can put people
into space in this country and they should be fully
funded,"
--Tom C. Feeney, III, Attorney and Former Speaker of
the House of Representatives.
"The loss of more than 20,000 jobs will cost Brevard
County millions and millions of dollars. That's
something we aren't going to have an easy time
handling considering the tough economic times we're
already experiencing. I believe the governor has
made a great effort proposing the money he has in
the state budget for Space Florida but we all need to
be involved in this issue,"
--Thad Altman, Senator, 24th District
