Florida and the Space Coast need to offer legislators in Washington and Tallahassee a unified voice to make sure they get the resources necessary to keep the space program, and by extension Brevard County, viable in coming decades.
That was the message from those lawmakers, after hearing from government and industry leaders during a forum about the imminent retirement of the space shuttle fleet this morning at Brevard Community College's Cocoa campus.
More than 100 people came to hear about and then discuss what needs to happen over the next few years to make sure that the retirement of NASA's reusable orbiter fleet does not damage the economic health of northern Brevard County and Florida.
In a blitz of five-minute speeches, representatives from space companies, research facilities and government agencies all the way up to Gov. Charlie Crist's office gave their take on the issue. Proposals ranged from making it easier and cheaper for new companies to launch from Cape Canaveral to reducing insurance costs for launchers.
However, the dominant theme was that local and state leaders -- from both government and industry -- needed to avoid competitive infighting to come to Washington and Tallahassee with a common agenda. No agenda was picked during the meeting Friday, but the leaders present vowed to leave the meeting with the intent to form a unified legislative agenda for the state and federal government.
That agenda is expected to be formulated before the end of this year.
Space news and analysis from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral 
The state should ensure that the Cape and KSC fall under the rules of the state.
ReplyDeleteThe union shops that are now in control of the Space Center.
The employees have to pay dues to labor unions even though they do not belong to a union.
This is blackmail and should not exist under the right too work law in the state of Florida.
The state Attorney General of the state of Florida, should eliminate this existing cancer/problem
Union strong. That is what made the space industry strong.
ReplyDeleteModerator, these comments have nothing to do with this article, please delete them
ReplyDeleteTo delete any comment that is not in any way abusive or using profanity would be censorship. I don't think the moderator would allow that. You just have to suck it up and breeze past them if they do not petain to the story.
ReplyDeleteThis article has everything to do with the Space Program planning.
ReplyDeleteFor people who have been here for years we know what can happen to launch schedules.
Look at the strike of 13 weeks do you think it would have someting too do with the space program?
All items should be added that follow the blogs guide lines.
ReplyDeleteThis is freedom of speech not what you think or would perfer too read.
That is why I say NO MORE IAM AT KSC. Union yuck!
ReplyDeleteKSC is not state property it a Goverment enclave exempt from state regulations.
ReplyDeleteNo state taxes apply or state regulations including the Right to Work law at KSC.
As much as I would like you to be right, KSC is located on a wildlife refuge and therefore cannot be a closed shop. Cape Caneveral is federal property and not held to Florida state laws.
ReplyDeleteThat is not why it can't be a closed shop. By definition Florida cannot have closed shops.
ReplyDeleteCape Canaveral Airforce Station is not Florida property.
ReplyDeleteTo the 6:09 post.
ReplyDeleteYou do not have to join any union no matter what shop you work in at KSC! You also reserve the right not to have union dues taken from your paycheck!! What you still get as a freeloader is fair and just representation by the union when needed!! Get your facts straight before you state them. You people completely amaze me, you complain about the unions but do not seem to mind the benefits you get either directly or indirectly because of union negoitiated contracts at KSC.
To the 6:09 post.
ReplyDeleteYou do not have to join any union no matter what shop you work in at KSC! You also reserve the right not to have union dues taken from your paycheck!! What you still get as a freeloader is fair and just representation by the union when needed!! Get your facts straight before you state them. You people completely amaze me, you complain about the unions but do not seem to mind the benefits you get either directly or indirectly because of union negoitiated contracts at KSC.
To the twit that posted the above listed trash who seems to think he is an expert. Look you dullard, your contract negotiations do not affect the non-union folks. Talk about dense, look in the mirror for once. Your contract is just now coming for negotiating and will cover how many years you lack of knowledge dullard. Whild you contract is in effect, the company CAN and DOES make changes to the non-union side of the house. Why do you think we are already paying extra cost items on insurance just as a start. Where was the big ole union help when they started that a year ago. I'll tell you where, laying up on your big fat butts laughing at how the non-union folks were getting the shaft put to them. Now you want our support when you get the same treatment and say we don't understand and how your contract is going to somehow help us. What a crock of crap...just like the union. Stay in the shadows and never gets involved but sure as hell quick to jump out when it involves thier folks. You want my support, quit your song and dance and get back to work or shut the hell up about it. We not standing on the side of the road whining, we in here doing our jobs.....unlike YOU!
LOL, YOU seem to be going through a little something there pretty boy!! Might be a little green with envy syndrom going on!! I think there is help for you though, my advise tough guy blogger is to take an enema by mouth and see if you can regure some of that envy!! No whining here BOY, I have rather enjoyed my unpaid leave from work, it gives me more time to stimulate my senses by provoking idiots like yourself!!
ReplyDeleteBut it hasn't helped your spelling a bit.
ReplyDeletehoo kares?
ReplyDelete