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R.I. Education Dept.: Let the Celebrations Begin! State Teacher Is First in the Nation To Be Named a 2026 Milken Educator
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Oct. 22 -- The Rhode Island Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Let the Celebrations Begin! Rhode Island Teacher Is First in the Nation To Be Named a 2026 Milken Educator
Central Falls' Briana Jones surprised with $25,000 Award for her impactful, engaging special education instruction
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SANTA MONICA, Calif. (October 21, 2026) -- As the crowd of students, teachers, local dignitaries and media gathered this morning at Central Falls High School, they prepared for what they thought would be an assembly with Education Commissioner Angelica
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Oct. 22 -- The Rhode Island Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Let the Celebrations Begin! Rhode Island Teacher Is First in the Nation To Be Named a 2026 Milken Educator
Central Falls' Briana Jones surprised with $25,000 Award for her impactful, engaging special education instruction
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SANTA MONICA, Calif. (October 21, 2026) -- As the crowd of students, teachers, local dignitaries and media gathered this morning at Central Falls High School, they prepared for what they thought would be an assembly with Education Commissioner AngelicaInfante-Green. In a surprising turn of events, Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley joined Commissioner Infante-Green on stage to share exciting news: Briana Jones, CFHS' special education transition program and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Business Entrepreneurship Culinary program teacher, is the nation's FIRST 2026-27 Milken Educator Award recipient!
Surrounded by a roaring gymnasium, Jones proudly accepted the prestigious Award and its unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. The Milken Educator Awards, celebrating 40 Years of Elevating Educators, have no formal applications or nominations. Outstanding K-12 educators are sought out while early to mid-career for what they have achieved--and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award.
"Briana Jones' commitment to her students is changing lives in Central Falls," said Dr. Foley, a 1994 Milken Educator Award recipient from Indiana. "Her empathy, innovation and passion make her a trusted guide for students as they become productive members of the workforce and leaders in society. I am pleased to welcome Briana into the national Milken Educator family of excellence, where she will have the opportunity to share her successful strategies and broaden her positive influence."
Jones is Rhode Island's 86th recipient since The Ocean State joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 1990. She is the sole Milken Educator Award recipient in Rhode Island this 2026-27 school year and the first-ever recipient in Central Falls School District.
"Briana Jones represents the very best of Rhode Island educators and is a fitting honoree for the 2026 Milken Educator Award," said Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green. "Through Briana's unwavering belief in every student's potential, she has created transformative opportunities that empower young people of all backgrounds and abilities to build confidence, develop career-ready skills, and achieve greater independence. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom, enriching the lives of students and families while helping to strengthen the entire Central Falls community."
The Milken Family Foundation's 2026-27 tour will honor up to 30 educators coast to coast--adding to the Milken Educator Network of more than 3,000 professionals nationwide. Since the Awards' first presentation in 1987, more than $76 million in individual cash prizes and over $147 million has been invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall, empowering recipients to broaden their impact and encouraging young, capable people to consider a career in education.
More About Briana Jones
Out-of-the-box Instruction: For the past 15 years, Central Falls High School special education teacher Briana Jones has taught the school's transition program for students ages 18-22, and recently, she also began leading the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Business Entrepreneurship Culinary program. Her hands-on curriculum builds confidence, independence, and real-world skills for her students to reach their potential.
Spearheading New Opportunities: Jones models her can-do attitude in every endeavor. She decided to launch the culinary arts program's food truck--without knowing how to drive the truck or run a kitchen. "The Taste of Central Falls" food truck is part of the Rhode Island Department of Education's Menu for Success student-operated food truck program, which first launched in Central Falls. Since then, the food truck program has become a model for similar programs across Rhode Island, providing opportunities for special education students to learn how to take orders, prepare meals, manage finances and pursue industry-recognized food safety certifications. Jones expanded the program to include both general and special education students, a testimony to her commitment to fostering inclusivity at CFHS.
Cultivating Connection: She is both a teacher and a coach, finding ways to involve students, parents and community leaders in everything from academic planning meetings to internship opportunities. She seeks out meaningful employment for her students and trains parents to serve as their children's "job coaches," a paid position under Rhode Island state law.
A Tireless Advocate: Her commitment to the community extends deep into Central Falls and beyond. She volunteers with Unified Sports and Special Olympics; serves as the special education lead at both CHFS and in the district; mentors peer educators; leads professional development training on Universal Design Learning; and teaches special education classes as an adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island.
Education: Jones completed her bachelor's degree from Rhode Island College in 2013.
The Milken Educator Award Reaps Lifelong Benefits
* The $25,000 cash Award is unrestricted. Recipients have used the money in diverse ways. Some recipients have spent the funds on their children's or their own continuing education, financing dream field trips, establishing scholarships, and even adopting children.
* Honorees receive powerful mentorship opportunities for expanded leadership roles that strengthen education practice and policy. Milken Friends Forever (MFF) pairs a new recipient with a veteran Milken Educator mentor; the Expanding MFF Resource and Explorer Program fosters individual veteran Milken Educator partnerships around specific topic areas; Activating Milken Educators (AME) promotes group collaboration in and across states to bring solutions to pressing educational needs; and the Milken Educator Collective connects recipients with shared content areas, grade levels, or professional roles. Milken MeetUps abound across the nation to deepen learning and connection and expand innovation in education.
* The honorees will attend an all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum from June 4-6, 2027, in Washington, D.C., where they will network with their new colleagues, as well as veteran Milken Educators and other leaders, about how to amplify their voices as beacons of excellence in the profession.
* Veteran Milken Educators demonstrate a wide range of leadership roles at state, national and international levels.
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Original text here: https://ride.ri.gov/press-releases/let-celebrations-begin-rhode-island-teacher-first-nation-be-named-2026-milken-educator
Pa. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Treasury's Director of Cybersecurity Receives National Recognition
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 22 -- The Pennsylvania Treasurer issued the following news release:
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21 October, 2026
Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Treasury's Director of Cybersecurity Receives National Recognition
Treasury employee recognized for contributions to protecting U.S. critical infrastructure
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Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that Treasury Director of Cybersecurity Keith Hartung has received the InfraGard Members Alliance (IMA) Leader of the Year Award, Tier 4 from the InfraGard National Awards Program -- recognizing his leadership, collaboration
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 22 -- The Pennsylvania Treasurer issued the following news release:
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21 October, 2026
Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Treasury's Director of Cybersecurity Receives National Recognition
Treasury employee recognized for contributions to protecting U.S. critical infrastructure
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Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that Treasury Director of Cybersecurity Keith Hartung has received the InfraGard Members Alliance (IMA) Leader of the Year Award, Tier 4 from the InfraGard National Awards Program -- recognizing his leadership, collaborationand contributions to protecting U.S. critical infrastructure.
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"As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, protecting our systems, information and communities is more important than ever before. This well-deserved recognition reflects Keith's dedication to public service and his commitment to keeping the Commonwealth and our nation secure - I congratulate and thank him for his commitment and dedication to Treasury."
- Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity
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The InfraGard National Awards Program is a time-honored tradition that recognizes the talent and accomplishments of InfraGard members and partners. Hartung serves as a board member and Special Projects Coordinator for the InfraGard Central PA Members Alliance.
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"I'm honored by this recognition, but no one protects critical infrastructure alone - the threats we face are shared, and so is the responsibility. InfraGard succeeds because it builds trust between organizations in both the public and private sectors long before a crisis hits. When organizations share what they know and stand ready to support one another, we are all more secure."
- Keith Hartung, Treasury Director of Cybersecurity
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Hartung joined Treasury in 2018 and currently serves as Director of Cyber Security, Security Officer (CISO) and Chief AI Officer (CAIO), where he oversees Treasury's enterprise security strategy and protection of its networks, systems and digital infrastructure.
Hartung received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Shippensburg University, completed the Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAIO) Certificate Program at Carnegie Mellon University, and holds various professional certifications.
InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA) is an FBI-affiliated independent nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting U.S. critical infrastructure and the American people. Established in 2003, INMA is the private sector component of the FBI's InfraGard program, which is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and members of the private sector for protection of U.S. critical infrastructure.
To learn more about the Pennsylvania Treasury, visit patreasury.gov. For the latest Pennsylvania Treasury news and updates, follow PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity on Facebook and @PATreasury on Instagram. You can also sign up for Treasury's newsletter here (https://www.patreasury.gov/newsletter/).
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Original text here: https://www.patreasury.gov/newsroom/archive/2026/10-21-Cybersecurity.html
Pa. State Sen. Laughlin Bill Protecting Private Property Rights Heads to Governor's Desk
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 22 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Laughlin Bill Protecting Private Property Rights Heads to Governor's Desk
October 21, 2026
HARRISBURG --Legislation sponsored by Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) to strengthen constitutional protections for Pennsylvania property owners while allowing Pennsylvania Game Commission officers to continue carrying out their duties has received final approval from the General Assembly and is headed to the governor's desk.
Senate Bill 1431 clarifies the authority of Pennsylvania Game Commission
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 22 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Laughlin Bill Protecting Private Property Rights Heads to Governor's Desk
October 21, 2026
HARRISBURG --Legislation sponsored by Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) to strengthen constitutional protections for Pennsylvania property owners while allowing Pennsylvania Game Commission officers to continue carrying out their duties has received final approval from the General Assembly and is headed to the governor's desk.
Senate Bill 1431 clarifies the authority of Pennsylvania Game Commissionofficers and other enforcement officers to enter private property, ensuring their actions comply with the protections against unreasonable searches and seizures established in the Pennsylvania Constitution.
"This legislation is about protecting the constitutional rights of Pennsylvania property owners while making sure our game wardens can continue doing their important work," Laughlin said. "Our game wardens play a critical role in protecting wildlife, enforcing our hunting laws and keeping people safe. Nothing in this bill prevents them from carrying out those responsibilities."
The legislation follows a unanimous Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision reaffirming constitutional protections for private property owners, including those who own woods, farmland and other open acreage.
Under the bill, game commission officers will still be able to investigate suspected violations, enforce hunting regulations, protect wildlife, and hold those who break the law accountable. They can obtain warrants when necessary, and they can act under legally recognized exceptions.
"Supporting our game wardens and protecting private property rights are not mutually exclusive," Laughlin said. "We can and should do both. This bill provides clarity for law enforcement while ensuring the constitutional rights of landowners are respected."
Senate Bill 1431 now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature.
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Original text here: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/laughlin-bill-protecting-private-property-rights-heads-to-governors-desk/
La. Health Dept.: State Transitions EarlySteps Program Entry to Regional Offices
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Oct. 22 -- The Louisiana Department of Health issued the following news:
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Louisiana transitions EarlySteps program entry to regional offices
Change supports 'No Wrong Door' approach to developmental disability services
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Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Oct 21, 2026 - The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Supports (OIDD) is transitioning entry into the EarlySteps program from contracted vendors to OIDD regional operations. The six-month transition began in October and will be completed March 31, 2027. Families will
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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Oct. 22 -- The Louisiana Department of Health issued the following news:
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Louisiana transitions EarlySteps program entry to regional offices
Change supports 'No Wrong Door' approach to developmental disability services
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Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Oct 21, 2026 - The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Supports (OIDD) is transitioning entry into the EarlySteps program from contracted vendors to OIDD regional operations. The six-month transition began in October and will be completed March 31, 2027. Families willcontinue to receive services without interruption during the transition.
EarlySteps is Louisiana's early intervention program for children from birth through age 2. The move is part of OIDD's "No Wrong Door" approach for entry into the developmental disabilities system: Referrals can come from any source, but there is one place for evaluating eligibility. The transition supports OIDD's vision for a more coordinated, efficient, and person-centered model for individuals and families entering the intellectual and developmental disabilities service system.
The change is intended to strengthen continuity of care and streamline operations, consistent with Governor Jeff Landry's direction to state agencies. It also supports OIDD's long-term vision of a coordinated, person-centered system of care for individuals and families.
"Our goal is to make it easier for Louisiana families to connect with the services their children need," said OIDD Assistant Secretary Bernard Brown. "By bringing EarlySteps entry into our regional offices, we want families to spend less time navigating the system and more time getting the support that can make a difference in their children's lives."
OIDD will continue to issue guidance and updates throughout the transition to help ensure a smooth process for families and providers. OIDD and EarlySteps remain committed to ensuring that Louisiana's children and families continue to receive the early intervention services they need.
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Original text here: https://ldh.la.gov/news/earlysteps-regional
Ga. Gov. Kemp: Blue Bird Invests $300 Million in Peach County
ATLANTA, Georgia, Oct. 22 -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp, R-Georgia, issued the following news release:
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October 21, 2026
Gov. Kemp: Blue Bird Invests $300 Million in Peach County
ATLANTA - Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Blue Bird Corporation (Blue Bird), a technology leader and innovator of school buses, is expanding its existing footprint in Peach County. The company plans to invest an estimated $300 million in a new manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, creating 375 new jobs over the next three years.
"For nearly 100 years, Blue Bird has been an incredible part of Georgia's story,
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Oct. 22 -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp, R-Georgia, issued the following news release:
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October 21, 2026
Gov. Kemp: Blue Bird Invests $300 Million in Peach County
ATLANTA - Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Blue Bird Corporation (Blue Bird), a technology leader and innovator of school buses, is expanding its existing footprint in Peach County. The company plans to invest an estimated $300 million in a new manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, creating 375 new jobs over the next three years.
"For nearly 100 years, Blue Bird has been an incredible part of Georgia's story,and now that story will continue to be written for years to come," said Governor Brian Kemp. "We are proud when our long-time partners can grow and adapt to changing markets right here in the Peach State, and this expansion is the latest example that our pro-business environment is fostering sustained success for our business partners. I want to congratulate Blue Bird, Fort Valley, and Peach County on this announcement and their continued prosperity."
Blue Bird school buses are available in a wide range of options and configurations to meet the diverse needs of school districts worldwide. The company has set industry standards through innovative design, engineering excellence, and advanced manufacturing capabilities, and currently supports more than 1,900 employees in Georgia.
"Georgia is where Blue Bird was born, and it has been our home for nearly 100 years. Every bus that rolls out of our plant carries the pride of the people across Middle Georgia who build it," said John Wyskiel, President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. "Our new facility in Fort Valley is our way of investing back into the community where we will continue to build more of the safe, dependable buses that school districts rely on, so we can keep getting children to school safely for the next hundred years."
Blue Bird will convert a former manufacturing site for diesel-powered motorhomes at 401 Wanderlodge Way in Fort Valley into a new facility to build buses of all powertrains. The new, 1-million-square-foot manufacturing facility will produce Type C school buses, including diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric-powered models. Construction is expected to begin in Q1 2027. The company will be hiring for manufacturing, operations, and technician roles. To learn more about Blue Bird, including where interested individuals can apply for jobs, visit www.blue-bird.com/careers.
"For generations, Fort Valley has helped Blue Bird move America forward. Today, Blue Bird is helping Fort Valley move toward a new century of possibilities," said Fort Valley Mayor Shakeena B. Reeves. "May the next 100 years be defined not only by the buses we manufacture, but by the families we strengthen, the opportunities we create, and the future we build together."
"Peach County is proud to be home to Blue Bird, and this massive $300 million expansion and creation of 375 new jobs is a monumental win for our entire community," said Commissioner Roy Lewis, Peach County Board of Commissioners. "This investment underscores the strength of our local workforce and our collaborative partnership with state and local leaders. We look forward to seeing Blue Bird continue to thrive right here in Fort Valley."
Regional Project Manager Candice Scott represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development's (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Development Authority of Peach County and Georgia Quick Start.
"Since 1927, Blue Bird has been one of Georgia's longest-standing automotive manufacturers, evolving with the industry while continuing to grow in Fort Valley and Middle Georgia," said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. "For nearly 100 years, families across America have placed their trust in Blue Bird every school day, entrusting these buses to safely carry their children to and from school. It's remarkable to see that legacy continuing to create jobs and opportunity in a rural Georgia community, and to see Blue Bird continuing to invest and grow in the place it has called home for generations. Congratulations to Blue Bird on its upcoming centennial and to our local partners in Fort Valley and Peach County who have helped make this remarkable legacy possible."
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About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Their dedicated team members design, engineer, and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world - 25 million children twice a day - making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is a proven leader in low-and-zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird's complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.
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Original text here: https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-10-21/gov-kemp-blue-bird-invests-300-million-peach-county
Florida Department of Education Announces Fourth Annual Florida College System Cybersecurity Competition Winners
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Oct. 22 -- The Florida Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Florida Department of Education Announces Fourth Annual Florida College System Cybersecurity Competition Winners
Tallahassee, Fla., October 21, 2026 - Today, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) announced the winners of the Fourth Annual Florida College System (FCS) Cybersecurity Competition.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the Florida College System is preparing students to meet Florida's growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. In recognition of Cybersecurity
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Oct. 22 -- The Florida Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Florida Department of Education Announces Fourth Annual Florida College System Cybersecurity Competition Winners
Tallahassee, Fla., October 21, 2026 - Today, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) announced the winners of the Fourth Annual Florida College System (FCS) Cybersecurity Competition.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the Florida College System is preparing students to meet Florida's growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. In recognition of CybersecurityAwareness Month, the competition highlights the importance of developing the knowledge, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities needed to identify and respond to cyber threats. By connecting classroom instruction with hands-on training and industry engagement, FCS helps students prepare for careers in a field critical to Florida's future.
Florida leads the nation as the only state with a state college systemwide cybersecurity competition of its kind. This year, students entered a virtual cyber range to detect, respond to, and mitigate real-world threats in high-pressure, industry-based scenarios. Through hands-on simulations, 17 teams from FCS institutions put classroom learning into action while strengthening the collaboration, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities expected by employers. The event showcased the Florida College System's commitment to aligning industry needs with strong academics as students demonstrated job-ready skills, earned credentials, and prepared for great careers.
New this year, the event expanded student opportunities with an extra day of professional learning hosted by the Florida Technology Council, featuring special sessions from CyberFlorida and the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College. During the Summit, FCS students and advisors learned alongside chief information officers, chief information security officers and other technology leaders, gaining insight into employer needs, industry trends, and challenges facing Florida and the nation.
"Florida's 'Great 28' colleges are the workforce engine for our state, and this event elevates the talent of our students and the strength of our colleges," said Commissioner Henry Mack. "By engaging with Florida's technology leaders and conquering challenges in a cyber range, students are honing real-world skills and opening doors to so many fields. Their success is a win for our students, our colleges and communities, and the industries that depend on their talent."
"I am thrilled to congratulate our outstanding students and recognize the dedicated faculty advisors who helped guide their success," said FCS Chancellor Kathy Hebda. "The achievements of our students reflect the critical role our colleges play in building a cybersecurity-ready workforce to protect our state's digital future and meet industry demand."
Competition Winners:
* First Place: Miami Dade College: Team Name -- Sharks
* Second Place: Palm Beach State College: Team Name -- Cyberforce
* Third Place: Eastern Florida State College: Team Name -- Cyber Titans
All student participants received a cyber range certification from Global Business Solutions, Inc. Winning teams were selected through an established ranking system that evaluated their ability to efficiently manage, operate, and defend the network infrastructures of multiple simulated organizations.
The competition was made possible through the generous support of partners including the Florida Department of Education, the Florida College System Foundation, the Florida Technology Council, CyberFlorida, the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College, and the Florida Student Success Center.
The Cybersecurity Competition is an initiative of the Florida College System, which established the Cybersecurity Collaborative. The Collaborative unites cybersecurity leaders from all 28 FCS institutions to share best practices, strengthen workforce partnerships, expand opportunities for students, and advance cybersecurity education.
View photos from the 4th Annual Florida College System Cybersecurity Competition on FDOE's Flickr album (https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD8e51).
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Original text here: https://www.fldoe.org/newsroom/latest-news/florida-department-of-education-announces-fourth-annual-florida-college-system-cybersecurity-competition-winners.stml
Ariz. State Rep. Justin Wilmeth Pushes to Expand Arizona's Commercial Space Industry
PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 22 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release:
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October 21, 2026
Rep. Justin Wilmeth Pushes to Expand Arizona's Commercial Space Industry
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX - State Representative Justin Wilmeth, Chairman of the House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee, is calling for Arizona to expand its role in the commercial space industry following Wednesday's Arizona Space Commission hearing.
Representative Wilmeth has championed legislation to strengthen the Commission's work, including establishing a deadline for its statewide strategic
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 22 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release:
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October 21, 2026
Rep. Justin Wilmeth Pushes to Expand Arizona's Commercial Space Industry
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX - State Representative Justin Wilmeth, Chairman of the House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee, is calling for Arizona to expand its role in the commercial space industry following Wednesday's Arizona Space Commission hearing.
Representative Wilmeth has championed legislation to strengthen the Commission's work, including establishing a deadline for its statewide strategicplan. The Commission brings together leaders from industry, academia, and government to identify opportunities and recommend policies to expand Arizona's space sector. Its draft five-year plan calls for targeted incentives, business-friendly policies, and infrastructure improvements that could help shape legislative priorities in 2027.
Arizona already has a substantial commercial space industry. Northrop Grumman manufactures satellites in Gilbert, Tempebased KinetX Aerospace has helped navigate NASA missions to Pluto and distant asteroids, and Tucson-based Paragon Space Development builds spacecraft life-support systems. Phantom Space, also based in Tucson, is developing rockets and satellite technology for the commercial launch market.
Arizona universities have also played major roles in space exploration. The University of Arizona led NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, which returned samples from asteroid Bennu to Earth, while Arizona State University leads NASA's Psyche asteroid mission and the camera investigation aboard the Perseverance Mars rover. The state's astronomy heritage includes Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, the world's first International Dark Sky City.
The Commission's draft plan also identifies opportunities for commercial spaceport development in Yuma and Sierra Vista. Both communities are pursuing projects that could expand Arizona's role in space testing, launch, reentry, and related commercial operations.
"Arizona has spent decades helping America explore space. Now I want us to lead in the growing commercial space industry," said Representative Wilmeth. "We already have companies building satellites, developing rockets, and helping NASA carry out missions across the solar system. I've made this a priority in the Legislature because I want more of those businesses and jobs here in Arizona. Yuma and Sierra Vista are working toward commercial spaceports, and there's tremendous potential across the state. We need to make sure our laws and infrastructure encourage that growth and give companies a reason to invest here."
Wednesday's hearing also addressed Arizona's bid to host the proposed U.S. Space Academy, with the state's response due November 16. The Commission's strategic plan is due to the Governor and Legislature by December 31.
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Justin Wilmeth is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 2 in North Phoenix and is Chairman of the House Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Innovation. Follow him on X at @JustinWilmethAZ.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/261021WILMETH.pdf
