Testimony
Of
James W. McMurtray
Executive Director,
National Alliance of State Science and Mathematics Coalitions
To the
Hearing on STEM Education, Aviation and Space
March 9, 2009
Cannon House Office Building
Thank you very much for this opportunity. I am James McMurtray, Executive Director of the National Alliance of State Science and Mathematics Coalitions, NASSMC. NASSMC is an alliance of 42 state coalitions of business, education, and public policy leaders working to improve mathematics, science, and technology education and long-term workforce development in the states. The state coalitions have been actively engaged in this effort for the past 20 years. The alliance collaborates in a variety of ways with federal agencies and the state coalitions to bring about substantive change at all levels in STEM education.
I am ere today to add the voices of those state coalitions to urgently recommend that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration be funded at a level appropriate to its importance to our nation and to our nation’s future. From the business perspective, the impact of NASA programs of exploration and discovery on the US economy cannot be overstated. NASA programs have infused the economies of every state represented by our organization. While NASA’s budget is modest when compared to other government expenditures, the return on that investment can easily be seen at the state level in new jobs, new technologies, new industries, new products, and the advancement of science.
The cost of NASA’s programs is a matter of open public record. It is significant that in 1996 the cumulative federal spending on NASA over its nearly 40-year history was roughly equal to the 1996 single year budget of the Department of Health and Human Services. It is also important to recognize that the federal investment in NASA is spent in the US economy and is multiplied many times over by stimulation of innovation and development.
The state organizations represented by NASSMC are keenly aware of the key role of the nation’s aerospace industry in our economy. Aerospace technology is one of our nation’s major export markets. It should be noted however that NASA itself does not manufacture space hardware. Rockets and satellites are not built by the federal government but by private industry. In addition to the large aerospace companies who build launch systems and large payloads, there are innumerable smaller companies that build components, materials and systems. It is difficult to identify any industrial sector in the states that does not in some way, either directly or indirectly benefit from NASA research and development. Aerospace development translates into private sector jobs, and not just in aerospace.
In the states, there is an inextricable link between economic factors and education. In the realm of education, NASA’s many contributions to state’s efforts are well known. This impact extends from NASA-funded basic research at state universities to funding of state STEM Summits, to the enhancement of science education in our high schools, middle schools and elementary schools. The scientific results of NASA’s missions of exploration and discovery are shared with the nation’s educators.
A scientifically illiterate populace is an economic and social liability that no nation can afford. We are not well served when only a fraction our students are receiving adequate instruction in science, mathematics, and technology. NASA has contributed significantly to changing that equation and to bringing the excitement of science to all students, particularly those in under-served and under-represented populations. We fully recognize that our national efforts in research, innovation and economic development cannot flourish unless they are supported by a technologically literate electorate. State governments recognize the social and economic impact of NASA programs and research. The tax base of every state is enhanced by the presence of contractors, suppliers, facilities, and workforce development activities directly related to NASA’s work.
In good economic times it is easy to support advanced scientific research, development and science education. In bad times however, it is critical to support these efforts. Investment in NASA demonstrates the belief that America can continue to flourish, that the American economy can continue to grow and thrive, that our children can enjoy a future rich in promise. In the face of challenging circumstances, we should neither cut back on our commitment to exploration, discovery and development nor allow this enterprise to grow stagnant.
In light of these realities, the National Alliance of State Science and Mathematics Coalitions, on behalf of its forty-two member organizations urges the Congress and the Administration to apply a modest economic stimulus to that segment of our economy where it has proven to produce positive results for over half a century. This will not require a heroic increase of bailout proportions and it is a sound and pragmatic step that has paid off in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
We are a nation of explorers, innovators and problem solvers. We are at our best when we are striving to accomplish difficult tasks and to reach goals that challenge our understanding and our creativity. For fifty years NASA has embodied that spirit and pushed our national capacity and resolve. Let us enable NASA to continue to serve our country.
Capitol Hill Hearing on STEM Education, Aviation and Space
Aerospace States Association
March 9, 2009
Cannon House Office Building – Room 210
