American Statistical Association Urges Funding for Science Research and Education in FY 2008 Supplemental Funding Legislation
ASA has joined 240 leaders of the business, academic and research communities in calling for additional funding for scientific research and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the FY 2008 Supplemental Funding Legislation. Letters to the President, as well as Congressional leadership, can be viewed at http://www. amstat. org/scipolicy/index. cfm? fuseaction=main.
Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) April 24, 2008
The American Statistical Association (ASA), the nation's preeminent professional statistical society, recently joined leaders of the business, academic and research communities in urging the Administration and the Congress to include funding for scientific research and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education in the FY 2008 supplemental funding legislation. The call for funding was made in April 16 letters to President Bush and House and Senate leaders, which were signed by 240 entities including IBM, Microsoft, Xerox, Hewlett Packard and Motorola.
"Including funding for science in the supplemental legislation would demonstrate a real commitment by the President and the Congress to addressing the competitiveness challenges we face," said Peter Lachenbruch, ASA president. "Only through advancing science research and education can we as a country retain our long-term economic prosperity."
"Though there are many issues relevant to protecting our interests in the global marketplace," the letters state, "none is more pressing than the need for additional funding for scientific research and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education." They continue, "Such action will allow for the fulfillment of the commitments made in the America COMPETES Act enacted last summer.
"As our country struggles to stabilize our economy and build for the future, an immediate commitment to research and education funding is both timely and relevant. This is an urgent and necessary step that will enhance our country's economic strength, our competitiveness and allow for continued innovation," the letters conclude.
The complete text of the letter and the names of the signatories can be viewed on the ASA web site at http://www. amstat. org/scipolicy/index. cfm? fuseaction=main (http://www. amstat. org/scipolicy/index. cfm? fuseaction=main).
About the American Statistical Association
The American Statistical Association (ASA), a scientific and educational society founded in Boston in 1839, is the second oldest continuously operating professional society in the United States. For 169 years, ASA has been providing its membership (currently 18,000) serving in academia, government, and industry and the public with up-to-date, useful information about statistics. The ASA has a proud tradition of service to statisticians, quantitative scientists, and users of statistics across a wealth of academic areas and applications. For additional information about the American Statistical Association, please visit the association's web site at http://www. amstat. org (http://www. amstat. org) or call 703.684.1221.
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