Tech Talkin' Govs, Part II

The second installment of SSTI's Tech Talkin' Govs' series includes excerpts from speeches delivered in Arkansas, Connecticut, Idaho, Kansas, New Hampshire, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. Our first installment was in the Jan. 5 Digest.

Arkansas
Gov. Mike Beebe, State of the State Address, Jan. 11, 2011
"I want to tie funding for higher-education institutions more closely to coursework completion and graduation rates, not simply to enrollment. These tax dollars must produce college graduates, not just fill up seats. We can and must double the number of college graduates in Arkansas by 2025 if we are to stay competitive. This is a lofty goal aimed at the future, but we must begin implementing it today."

Connecticut
Gov. Dan Malloy, Inaugural Address, Jan. 5, 2011
"We will put in place an economic development strategy that makes sense for the 21st century economy, aggressively competing with other states and nations for lucrative biotech, nanotech, fuel cell technology and stem cell research jobs.

"We will join Connecticut to the Energy Economy, attracting companies that reduce our dependency on fossil fuels."

Idaho
Gov. Butch Otter, State of the State Address and Budget Address, Jan. 10, 2011
"Our tax structure also plays a key role in achieving our economic development and growth goals.

That's why I will be proposing legislation aimed at providing an incentive for investment and creation of career opportunities, targeting those small and startup businesses that show great promise for Idaho's future — especially as new technology and innovation are applied. ...

"... Along with ensuring that our tax and regulatory climate encourages investment and job creation, the key to economic growth is to keep pressing ahead with our Project 60 initiative. ...We're exploring opportunities and making great progress within the growing renewable and alternative energy industry."

Kansas
Gov. Sam Brownback, State of the State Address, Jan. 12, 2011
"In the coming days, I will be proposing an integrated, strategic plan to spur the Kansas economy. This plan will create the framework for more private sector — not government — jobs...

"... [M]y plan will include a three-year, $105 million University Economic Growth initiative to enhance job growth in key economic sectors such as aviation, cancer research, animal health, and engineering. Each university will be required to provide through private sector or reprogrammed funds 50 percent of the cost of the program initiative. ...

"... I also intend to work with the legislature, stakeholders, and the people of Kansas to take advantage of growth in our state's industries of emerging opportunity. ...

"... We will expand and start new wind energy projects in the state. If we do this right, we will see the development of a renewable energy corridor between Wichita and Salina that will provide jobs for rural Kansas and clean energy for the world. I want Kansas to be known as the not only as the Wheat state — but as the Renewable State.

"We will update our telecommunications policy to facilitate greater investments in broadband and wireless deployment."

New Hampshire
Gov. John Lynch, Inaugural Address, Jan. 6, 2011
"We know in today's economy, companies must research and innovate, or find themselves outpaced by their competitors. We want businesses to know that New Hampshire is a place that values their new ideas and their new products. That is why we created the research-and-development tax credit, and that is why I am proposing to double this tax credit this year."

Virginia
Gov. Bob McDonnell, State of the Commonwealth Address, Jan. 12, 2011
"In mid-December we announced our "Opportunity at Work" budget and legislative proposals calling for $54 million in new state funding to help us better compete with Maryland and North Carolina; India and China.

"Among the proposals are $25 million for a Virginia Research and Technology Innovation Program; $5 million in funding for Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, to help small businesses gain access to capital; additional funding for Virginia's growing tourism, wine and film industries, investments in successful workforce development programs, and improvements to industrial sites and enterprise zones.

"... Your approval of this money and legislation will keep us on the winning path.

"When I ran for governor, I pledged to create a pathway towards the issuance of 100,000 more degrees in the Commonwealth over the next 15 years, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, math and healthcare, which lead to the good jobs of the future. While Virginia is home to a top-ranked system of colleges and universities, the stark news we are learning is that our state and nation are falling behind other countries in these STEM disciplines which is harmful to our long term economic and military security. These new degrees will make Virginia one of the most highly-educated states in the world.

"... Our Top Jobs for the 21st Century Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act is highlighted by a new $50 million investment in higher education, much less than needed to fund our base adequacy model, but a start in getting there. ... The new dollars will be targeted to undergraduate financial aid and funding incentives for efficiency and economic development, technology, increased four-year graduation rates, year round use of facilities and degree attainment. These actions will make college more affordable and accessible and create a better educated workforce and more jobs."

Washington
Gov. Christine Gregoire, State of the State Address, Jan. 11, 2011
"We need to encourage every student to complete to compete — complete an AA, bachelor's or advanced degree so he or she can compete for the jobs of tomorrow. ...

"... I will ask you to adopt the recommendations of the Higher Education Funding Task Force, which increase the number of graduates, require greater accountability from our colleges and universities, ensure stable funding, and establish a $1 billion Washington Pledge Scholarship Program."

Wyoming
Gov. Matt Mead, State of the State Address, Jan. 12, 2011
"To create jobs, and to grow and diversify our economy, we should build on Wyoming's natural advantages — our energy, ag, tourism, and great workforce.

"... We should develop both wind and gas-fired turbine projects, where possible. I support current efforts for those working on such projects. And, why not manufacture wind turbine components here, too? Let's build the items needed to develop our wind resources right here in Wyoming. This is doable. Such manufacturers are looking at Wyoming now, and I am a supporter. This is an example of how we build on Wyoming's natural advantages to diversify our economy and create jobs.

"... We must continue to support all our extractive industries. With respect to our coal and our oil and gas industries, I support research and development of carbon capture and sequestration technology.

"... Wyoming is on the cutting edge of many technologies. We have laws in place and projects underway. ... Technology will help keep our energy industry competitive. I would look favorably on legislation sent my way to foster science and commercial applications ... remembering that advances in energy technology will only occur if energy companies remain profitable.

"I support continuing the manufacturing sales tax exemption. The current law has the exemption expire at the end of this year. Forty other states have this exemption and Wyoming must remain competitive. ... I hope you will take up the issue of extending the manufacturing sales tax exemption, decide to extend it, and put a bill on my desk."