Governors Talk Technology
Science, technology and workforce development are prominent themes in the plans 42 governors outlined for their states, according to the latest SSTI Issue Brief, Science & Technology in the States: Excerpts from the 1999 Governors' Addresses. The publication provides a collection of 109 research, workforce development and technology-related quotes from 1999 Inaugural Addresses, State of the State Addresses, and Budget Addresses by the governors.
An SSTI review of more than 80 gubernatorial speeches delivered during the past four months revealed several common technology-related themes for many governors:
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Increasing 21st century workforce preparedness through job training programs and greater accessibility to college and technical school courses;
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Expanding use of information technology in state government, libraries, and the classroom;
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Strengthening the research capacity of higher education institutions as an economic development tool;
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Launching several new S&T initiatives and expanding existing programs; and,
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Granting more and larger R&D tax credits.
"The number of references in so many states and in so many recent major speeches is noteworthy," said Dan Berglund, executive director of SSTI. "Science and technology has moved to the frontline of many Governors' agendas."
Copies of the 30-page Issue Brief are available from SSTI for $10 each, including shipping and handling. They can be ordered by calling SSTI at 614/901-1690.