WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Adam Schiff announced today that the House approved $1 million in federal funds for the Griffith Observatory. The money will broaden opportunities for young people to visit this local treasure and will expand educational programs within the Observatory.
“I am pleased that the House agreed to my request for federal help to expand the observatory,” said Schiff. “This funding will help bring the outer reaches of the universe closer to our entire region of young people and help them reach for the stars.”
Griffith Observatory boasts 2 million annual visitors, and has been a local landmark since 1935. The Observatory is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion that will feature a new planetarium theater when it reopens in May, 2006. Schiff previously secured an additional $2 million for educational programs and exhibits on astronomy and space exploration.
“In this global age, we must do all that we can to encourage students to study science and technology. Griffith Observatory is an extraordinary learning facility and a valuable tool in encouraging kids to pursue careers in the sciences,” said Schiff.
These funds will be included in a federal spending bill that passed Congress earlier today. It still must be approved by the Senate and signed by the President.
Schiff has a long history of involvement in promoting science among young people. Each year, he hosts a Congressional Science Forum series in conjunction with Caltech to give students the chance to learn about educational and career opportunities in math and science from the personalized view of a scientist. The forums have spanned such subjects as physics, biology, chemistry, and math and lecturers have included Dr. Ed Stone, former Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dr. Lucy Jones, Scientist-in-Charge, U.S. Geological Survey, and Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.
Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.
-30-