[Satellite News 01-28-10] In his first State of the Union address to the U.S. Congress, President Barack Obama outlined goals to double U.S. exports over the next five years which included the easing of export controls.
   “The more products we make and sell to other countries, the more jobs we support right here in America. So tonight, we set a new goal: We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support 2 million jobs in America. To help meet this goal, we’re launching a national export initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports, and reform export controls consistent with national security,” Obama said.
   While the president did not specifically mention the commercial launch sector by name, some space industry and political leaders have interpreted this statement as a reference to easing International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) that have prevented U.S. aerospace companies from competing internationally.   
   Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Marion Blakey praised Obama’s initiative. “We’re very pleased that President Obama is making it a priority this year to double exports, enforce trade agreements and reform export controls consistent with national security. Trade expansion and export control modernization are longtime priorities of AIA and recognition of their importance by the President sets a positive tone for action this year. … Reforms of the system will grow high-skill, high-wage jobs, keep America’s defense industrial base competitive and sustain its ability to provide America’s military and our close allies with the best technology at the best price,” Blakely said in a statement.
   According to AIA research, there are 2,436 manufacturing, maintenance and installation facilities in the United States. Blakey believes that investment in programs such as the Next Generation Air Transportation System and exports will add even more jobs to productive facilities. “AIA projects that the total number of direct and indirect jobs generated by an approximate $6 billion investment in NextGen equipment is more than 150,000 through 2012, with 30,000 jobs generated the first year,” she said.
   Gov. Charlie Crist (R-Fla.) responded to Obama’s address by announcing a 2010-11 state budget proposal that includes $32.6 million in funding to support Florida’s space industry. Crist proposed that $20 of the $32.6 million be allocated to finance space industry jobs retention and business expansion, with $10 million for an internal source of financing and investment funds to provide additional opportunities for expanding space businesses and to establish sustained industry growth, $3 million to be set aside to provide assistance to emerging space businesses pursuing opportunities in Florida, and $3.2 million to provide support to workforce development programs and technical training initiatives.
    The successes we are seeing in Florida’s biotechnology business hub show us that we must continue our efforts to attract and retain companies in Florida’s innovation sectors. Florida’s business friendliness, talented workforce, beautiful environment and pleasant climate make the Sunshine State an excellent location for companies seeking to grow economic opportunities,” Crist said in a statement.
    Crist also recommended an additional $12.6 million to invest in a technology and commerce park that utilizes Florida’s space assets, refurbish Launch Complex 46 to promote commercial use, and renovate facilities to attract businesses and foster the growth of a sustainable and world-class aerospace industry in Florida.
    While the response to Obama’s export plan was generally positive, AIA criticized the president for not acknowledging the future of NASA’s manned space program. “NASA is a key contributor to those fundamentals for our nation. A robust and well-funded space effort that includes a program of manned exploration beyond low-Earth orbit is a wonderful source of inspiration for America’s youth to pursue high-level science and technical education and careers. We must reach for the stars to provide that inspiration,” said Blakey.