Tech Talkin' Govs IV

As more states settle into their 2003 legislative sessions, fewer Governors are giving Inaugural or State-of-the-State addresses. During the past 10 days, the Governors of Alaska, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Vermont and Wisconsin offered outlines of their priorities for the coming year(s). The following excerpts are directly relevant to building a technology-based economy.

Georgia

Governor Sonny Perdue, State of the State Remarks, January 27, 2003

"Knowledge is the new economic fuel, not physical labor. It is the essential ingredient for success in this information age. Providing all our citizens with the knowledge, skills and training they need to compete in the information economy is the best economic development plan we can have. Education and workforce training will prepare our people for the jobs.

"We will continue to welcome outside companies relocating to Georgia. However, to achieve real leadership we have to grow our own companies and develop our own industries, based on our own innovations. I see our state developing homegrown industries with global reach... Whether in communications, medical sciences, logistics or agricultural technology, let's raise our aim—not just to be a player, but a winner.

"I want the world to beat a path to Georgia's door. I want companies from around the world bidding to license the best innovations and latest technological breakthroughs from Georgia universities, companies and research centers.

"To make that happen, I'm undertaking a comprehensive review of our tax policies and our state regulations with an eye toward reforming them to encourage, not frustrate, entrepreneurship in our state. Georgia's reputation should be of a place where the government gets out of the way and lets the natural genius of our people create, build and grow our state.

Vermont

Governor James H. Douglas, State of the Budget Address, January 23, 2003

"Today, I am announcing a $106.8 million job creation and economic security package. My jobs program is the most significant investment in the entrepreneurial spirit of Vermonters in recent history. At full implementation, this initiative will create thousands of new jobs and save thousands more...

"My jobs program includes several new proposals that will make more money available to entrepreneurs through the Vermont Economic Development Authority so they can begin new businesses and grow existing ones. I propose a major expansion of the Vermont Jobs Fund, to allow the financing of $60 million in low-interest loans to entrepreneurs.

"I also propose the creation of the Vermont Opportunity Fund that will provide $25 million in mezzanine level financing for established small businesses that require new capital to take their next step.

Wisconsin

Governor Jim Doyle, State of the State Address, January 30, 2003

"... the best jobs program [is] creating an environment hospitable to innovation. I believe it's creating the best educated work force in America. I believe it's helping small businesses with the crippling cost of health care.

"We can't run Wisconsin's economy from this room, and we shouldn't try. Our job is to unleash the innovative spirit of our people. Today, I am announcing that I will bring government, labor and business together to craft and implement a single, focused strategic plan to grow Wisconsin's economy.

"Here in Madison, the University has always been an engine for economic growth. For example, the cutting edge research in biotechnology at the University will provide not only dramatic medical breakthroughs, but also millions of dollars in new investment, new jobs and new opportunities for our people. But we also must take advantage of the resources and expertise of our other university and technical college campuses to foster economic growth throughout the state."