WHEREAS, The state employs nearly 3,000 professional scientists in over 30 state departments working in more than 81 scientific classifications; and

WHEREAS, State scientists hold graduate degrees in virtually every scientific discipline, including biology, nematology, virology, seismology, epidemiology, toxicology, and many others; and

WHEREAS, State scientists are required to make critical decisions every day based on rigorous scientific fact-finding, and these decisions ultimately impact the lives and property of all Californians; and

WHEREAS, State scientists perform important work in the areas of infectious disease prevention, oil spill prevention and cleanup, public health drinking water monitoring, the protection of agricultural crops, brownfields mitigation, chemical and radiological disaster response, and much more; and

WHEREAS, State scientists are represented by the California Association of Professional Scientists (CAPS), which is dedicated to professionalism, independence, and responsible advocacy; and

WHEREAS, CAPS is featuring its members in a statewide media campaign with the slogan “Science Matters” to educate the public and policymakers about the important work state scientists perform to protect the public from life-threatening diseases, safeguard our wildlife and abundant natural resources, and protect our air and water from toxic waste and pollution; and

WHEREAS, CAPS cosponsors the Sacramento Regional STEM Fair, one of California’s 14 regional science and engineering fairs, serving hundreds of middle and high schools in 12 California counties; and

WHEREAS, State scientists host an annual State Scientist Day at the State Capitol to increase public awareness and recognition of the significant contributions made by scientists working in state government while entertaining and educating over 3,500 elementary school students with fun, hands-on science exhibits; and

WHEREAS, State Scientist Day has sparked an interest in science for thousands of California schoolchildren, legislators, state employees, and members of the public who attend the special event; now, therefore, be it