Tech Talkin Govs IV

In SSTI's final look at the 2004 State of the State and Budget addresses, the importance of building tech-based economies continues to be emphasized by governors across the country. Below are excerpts from speeches given in Alabama, Maryland, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

Alabama

Gov. Bob Riley, State of the State Address, Feb. 3, 2004

"Recently President Bush announced his plan to send Americans back to the moon and then on to Mars. We must unite as a state to ensure that Alabama is the first stop on that journey. Tonight I am proud to announce the Alabama Space Exploration Initiative which will create a partnership between state government, Marshall Space Center, our colleges and research universities, and industry to strengthen our capabilities in support of our nation’s new space policy. By working together we will continue to expand the economic potential of the space industry in Alabama."

Maryland

Gov. Robert Erlich, State of the State Address, Jan. 29, 2004 [not available online]

"...we must help our State achieve its full potential as a haven for high tech firms and businesses on the technological edge. I believe we have the resources needed to become the technology capital of the nation... I want our record in this area to be one not of success, but dominance. To achieve that vision, we need to do more."

Minnesota

Gov. Tim Pawlenty, State of the State Address, Feb. 5, 2004

"We need to leverage our strategic advantage in the emerging bioscience economy. I am asking you to fund, through the bonding bill, the historic new research partnership between the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota. I also ask your support to enhance the bioscience zones we created last year. This is a huge opportunity and we can compete and win in this area..."

Oklahoma

Gov. Brad Henry, State of the State Address, Feb. 2, 2004

"Our commitment to public education does not end with 12th grade. Oklahoma must produce more college graduates, both for economic development as well as for the enrichment that comes with higher learning. I propose full funding for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, which ensures college scholarships for eligible students.

"Our colleges and universities warrant our full attention. As recommended by the EDGE [Economic Development Generating Excellence] action plan, my budget provides needed funding to eliminate the sizable backlog of endowed chairs...

"Our state also deserves to capitalize on its bold pioneering spirit. Oklahomans have long distinguished themselves as forward-thinking innovators. Indeed, the spirit of the Land Run is alive and well in our scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs - the pioneers of today. That quest for improvement and invention must be afforded room to grow. Let's transform Oklahoma into a hub of research and development.

"The EDGE action plan calls for a $1 billion endowment to fuel private and public research and development. I call on you to join me in working toward that goal. This session, let's determine how to structure this visionary proposal.

"Our tax system should also be designed to create good jobs and stimulate investment in our state. I propose eliminating the capital gains tax on all Oklahoma property held for five years or longer."

Pennsylvania

Gov. Edward G. Rendell, Budget Address 2004-2005, Feb. 3. 2004

"While we look toward the industries of the future, we must also apply the tools of technology to restore the traditional backbone of our economy - our manufacturing sector. Based on the compelling findings from research conducted by Team PA, I am proposing an increase of $5 million for our Industrial Resource Centers to help infuse our manufacturing plants with technology and innovation. Our stimulus plan dramatically expands the Manufacturing Equipment Loan Fund program, allowing manufacturers to obtain new technology to improve productivity and increase competitiveness. We are also planning to hold a manufacturing summit in the coming months to solicit and refine strategies designed to take manufacturing in this state to the next level...

"In a global economy increasingly reliant on technology, the most modern telecommunications system possible is absolutely essential. Eight of the 10 fastest-growing occupations are in professions that depend on high-speed communications. We have no choice but to accelerate the introduction of broadband services across the Commonwealth - well before the 2015 deadline established under Chapter 30. We can do this by providing incentives to local telephone companies and financial assistance to municipalities and entrepreneurs.

"Every school in Pennsylvania must have high-speed Internet service at affordable rates within the next 18 months...

"If we are to remain economically competitive, we must modernize and diversify our energy portfolio. Today, we are too dependent on just a few sources of fuel. We now have an opportunity to develop new technologies that only a few years ago might not have been cost-competitive, such as waste coal, wind, biomass, solar and fuel cells. Today, I am proposing a series of initiatives that will move Pennsylvania to the forefront of energy innovation. I am revitalizing the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority. We will expand the successful Energy Harvest Initiative so we will have the financial tools to build energy projects. These efforts will enable us to invest new capital in alternative energy technologies so that Pennsylvania can gain ground in this dynamic economic sector...

"Having already doubled Pennsylvania's use of green energy, I am directing state agencies to redouble that effort so that fully 20 percent of the Commonwealth's needs are met by state-of-the-art energy technologies.  To expand this effort across the state and into the private sector, I am also proposing an Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard so that in 10 years, 10 percent of all energy generated in our state will come from clean, efficient sources of power."

Rhode Island

Gov. Donald L. Carcieri, State of the State Message, Feb. 3, 2004

"Last year, with the support of this General Assembly, we implemented a jobs package to support my goal to create 20,000 net new jobs over 4 years... Building on this success, our strategy emphasizes the life sciences and biotechnology.

"This year, we are proposing two new initiatives to accelerate this plan. The first is a collaborative effort between public and private universities to attract millions of dollars from the National Science Foundation to create a world class research capacity here in Providence.

"The second initiative will be the creation of a Marine Life Sciences Park at Quonset Point. This park will pursue new business opportunities in technologies for the rapidly growing aquaculture industry. Joint venture discussions are underway with a number of interested parties... I am proposing a major investment in Quonset Point: $48 million to transform it from a decayed military base to a modern technology park, superior to any other in the region. There are exciting things happening at Quonset, and we need to prepare it to become a major job generator...

"I believe there is a direct connection between economic development and the vibrancy of higher education. Private institutions have been investing and prospering, while the state has been under-investing. Although we will continue to support RIC [Rhode Island College] and CCRI [Community College of Rhode Island], URI [the University of Rhode Island] is uniquely positioned in the biosciences, pharmacology, engineering and marine sciences. It's time to invest in these sciences for the jobs of the 21st century.

"I have asked the Commissioner of Higher Education to work with URI in the development of a five year investment plan to substantially upgrade our scientific capability, especially in the area of graduate research.

"As a first installment, I am moving forward with the new $50 million Bioscience Building. I am asking the General Assembly to put a bond referendum on the ballot in November and I encourage all Rhode Islanders to support it.

"Additionally, I ask the General Assembly to eliminate personnel restrictions for independently-funded research. This is critical to building our scientific expertise… and does not involve state taxpayer money."