Joint state senate and house resolutions have passed in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, while measures of support have passed the state senates in Ohio, Texas and Kansas. In California, both houses have passed separate resolutions of support.

In addition, the Aerospace States Association, which represents 44 states and supports national aviation and space policy development, expressed support for the Vision by passing a resolution encouraging the exploration and development of space.

"I appreciate the willingness of state lawmakers to get involved and voice their support for NASA's ongoing missions of discovery and exploration," said Administrator O'Keefe.

"History has demonstrated that space exploration benefits everyone through new technologies and products, and often leads to new jobs and economic growth and security."

In January, the President announced a new long-term Vision for Space Exploration that includes robotic and human expeditions back to the moon and eventually on to Mars and beyond.

Besides the local and national economic benefits realized by investing in the future of exploration, states that have expressed support for the Vision cite the importance of igniting students' interest in mathematics, science and technology as being vital to securing America's future.

"This bold vision can help us attract and motivate the best minds in this new century," added Administrator O'Keefe.

"Leadership is earned. It's not something we can simply declare. America has been able to reap great benefits when the power of the human intellect has been focused on great challenges and opportunities."

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