Many are deeply concerned about the significant risk to local, statewide, and national regions due to the extensive budget cuts and mass layoffs plaguing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS). Lives are at stake as the Trump Administration strips funds from essential services that help us predict and prepare for severe weather, hurricanes, snow events, etc. Offices were already very understaffed, and hundreds of probationary (but experienced!) meteorologists are getting fired, making the situation worse.

Historically, the NOAA and NWS have been critical infrastructure, often the difference between life and death in times of weather events. For hard-earned taxpayers' money, their funding takes a minor $3 per person annually, a minimal investment for a such an important part of governmental infrastructure.

The lack of adequate funding and staffing for these agencies can have detrimental effects on their ability to accurately forecast and respond to severe weather conditions. Years of expertise and proficiency are being lost, compromising the effective operation of the NOAA and NWS, leaving an inexperienced staff unequipped to handle natural disasters.

Our ultimate goal is to ensure that NOAA and NWS are fully staffed and funded, hence safeguarding our lives and livelihoods. Citing the fact that these services are vital and worth more than the meager $3 investment, it is clear that they should not be subjected to such drastic budget cuts and layoffs.

Sign this petition to call on the government to stop these detrimental layoffs and budget cuts, ensure the continued operation of NOAA and NWS, and maximize the security of our fellow citizens.