HARRISBURG, PA – Today, during the second annual Aerospace Day at the state Capitol, the Shapiro-Davis Administration highlighted their support for Pennsylvania’s aerospace and aviation industry, in partnership with legislature’s new Aerospace Caucus, and reached out to the next generation to inspire them to look to the stars.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who serves as chair of the Pennsylvania chapter of the Aerospace States Association (ASA), launched the caucus today with state Senators Marty Flynn and Tracy Pennycuick, as well as state Representatives Zach Mako and Joe Webster, serving as co-chairs.
“This year’s Aerospace Day demonstrated the strong bipartisan support for the industry, which creates jobs and economic activity across the Commonwealth,” said Davis. “I look forward to working with the members of the new Aerospace Caucus to continue advocating for these vital businesses and workers.”
“Aerospace Day recognizes the extraordinary contribution Pennsylvania plays in the aerospace industry,” said state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick. “In our region, Greater Philadelphia has truly become an advanced manufacturing hub. Today, more than 5,600 manufacturers call Greater Philadelphia home, employing 190,000 workers across key sub-sectors, including biopharmaceutical, chemical, plastics, food, and aerospace manufacturing. Couple that with our highly skilled, motivated workforce and our affordable, reliable energy, and it’s easy to see why global firms like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Piasecki Aircraft, and Leonardo Helicopters established manufacturing operations in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is leading the way, and we must do all we can to ensure these companies and the numerous companies that serve as suppliers in this sector are encouraged to locate here and grow here.”
“Aviation is a large part of the future of Pennsylvania, and we need to make sure we remove all unnecessary barriers while maintaining the utmost safety of all entities involved,” said state Rep. Zach Mako.
"Aerospace has a unique history here in Pennsylvania and has limitless potential to grow," said state Rep. Joe Webster. "As a retired Air Force Colonel, I understand the value this industry brings with it – whether it's creating jobs, building connections with our colleges and universities or even supporting our local economy, Aerospace is the next frontier for Pennsylvania."
As part of Aerospace Day, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) brought astronaut and Pennsylvania native Warren “Woody” Hoburg to visit the Capitol and talk with students at Harrisburg School District’s Ben Franklin Elementary School.
In addition, the Moonshot Museum transformed the school into a hands-on lunar learning lab for students through their Mobile Moonshot experience. Participants launched into the world of space exploration with immersive STEAM activities, dynamic planetarium programming, interactive robotics and digital simulations.
This experience was made possible thanks in part to a partnership with NASA through a TEAM II AWARD, which powers the Cosmic Careers initiative to connect students with the real-world pathways that lead to careers in the space industry.
"It’s an honor and privilege to collaborate with Lieutenant Governor Davis to bring this experience to life for students across the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Jimyse L. Brown, executive director of Moonshot Museum. “Aerospace Day is a powerful opportunity to ignite curiosity and inspire students to see themselves as part of the space industry. Through powerful partnerships like the one we have with NASA and with the support of the Shapiro-Davis Administration, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore what’s possible and ultimately helping them find their place in space.”
NASA supports nearly 1,800 jobs and creates $409 million in economic output in Pennsylvania.
"Pennsylvania’s aerospace and aviation industries are driving innovation, creating high-wage jobs and strengthening our economy,” said Luke Bernstein, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, which partnered with the Lieutenant Governor’s office on today’s event. “From cutting-edge defense systems to lunar landers, the work being done here is putting our Commonwealth on the map. The PA Chamber is proud to partner with the Lieutenant Governor to spotlight the incredible opportunities that these industries offer students, workers, and employers across the Keystone State.”