Ohio’s and Nation’s Technology Leadership and National Security at Risk
A coalition of Ohio’s economic development leaders is calling on Congress and the White House to reverse course on proposed deep cuts to NASA and NASA Glenn Research Center, warning of profound impacts to Greater Cleveland and the nation’s technological leadership and security.
Recent budget proposals could slash up to 1,200 – or 40% – of NASA Glenn’s workforce and contractors, far exceeding reductions at other NASA centers across the country. The cuts would threaten critical aerospace, energy, propulsion and communications programs, impacting technologies essential to national defense and global competitiveness. Temporary budget measures, including a continuing resolution, could also be damaging by depriving NASA of direction and stable long-term funding to advance strategic programs.
“NASA Glenn has long been a crown jewel in Greater Cleveland’s innovation ecosystem,” said Baiju R. Shah, president & CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership. “This is a moment for bold action from Ohio’s bipartisan Congressional delegation, state officials and local leaders, to protect and grow the center, not dismantle it. We should be doubling down on innovation leadership at NASA and NASA Glenn.”
Ohio has long been at the forefront of aviation and aerospace, and companies across the state and the nation rely on the research, talent and partnerships cultivated by NASA Glenn.
“Shrinking NASA Glenn’s capacity ripples through our business community, impacts our talent pipelines and STEM careers, reduces our competitiveness and threatens America’s economic leadership and national security,” said Matt Dolan, CEO of TeamNEO. “We must champion NASA Glenn and NASA and also continue our efforts to bring more of NASA here.”
The work done at NASA and NASA Glenn also impacts America’s national security and ability to lead in space.
“The important work accomplished by the professionals at NASA Glenn directly impacts America’s national security and our standing in a world where space is an increasingly contested domain,” said J.P. Nauseef, president and CEO of JobsOhio. “From satellite communications to power systems for defense applications, these capabilities matter profoundly to our safety and strategic interests. Undercutting them now would hand a competitive advantage to America’s rivals. Ohio is ready to stand up and fight for this future.”
“The decisions made in Washington over the next few weeks will decide whether America maintains leadership in air, space, energy and communications, or willingly cedes it to others,” added Shah. “Let’s not compromise our future. Let’s fully fund NASA to protect and expand NASA Glenn.”
About Greater Cleveland Partnership
Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) is the region’s leading economic development organization, and with over 12,000 members, the largest metropolitan chamber of commerce in the nation. Guided by a board of corporate and entrepreneurial CEOs, the organization focuses on strategic initiatives, business services, and advocacy to build a vibrant business environment and region for small businesses, middle-market companies and global corporations. It includes the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) and Cleveland Development Advisors, a real estate development affiliate. GCP is committed to working with private, civic, and public partners to accelerate growth and prosperity to propel Greater Cleveland towards being one of the Great Regions in the Great Lakes.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
About Team NEO
Team NEO is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that ignites economic vibrancy, fosters sustainable growth, and champions equitable prosperity. As a designated JobsOhio Network Partner, we collaborate across all 14 counties in the Northeast Ohio Region to create strategies to attract and retain companies, drive innovation, cultivate a skilled workforce, advance market-ready sites, and promote and engage the region. To learn how Team NEO helps make Northeast Ohio more competitive, visit northeastohioregion.com.
